The effect of collaborative innovation on ICT-based technological convergence: A patent-based analysis

Collaborative innovation is widely recognized as an instrument to promote technological convergence. However, its effects on technological convergence remain debatable. Using firm-level panel data of patenting in the Korean ICT industry from 1980 to 2015, I examine the effects of four collaborative innovation types (i.e., Inter-firm, Inter-ICT firm, Firm-University, and Firm-Government Research Institution (GRI) on ICT-based technological convergence. The results reveal the magnitude of Inter-ICT firm collaborative innovation was found to be significant and largest. The effects of the remaining three collaborative innovation types were significant but inconsiderable. Governments may consider the differential effects of collaboration types when designing incentive systems to promote technological convergence.