Analysis on the multi‐technology capabilities of Korea and Taiwan using patent bibliometrics

Summary This paper explores multi‐technology capabilities between Korea and Taiwan by analyzing the pattern of inventive activities concerning technology fusion by using patent bibliometrics. Although two countries exhibit a similar level of invention activities and high degree of specialization in emerging technologies measured by the number and technological fields of their US patents, innovation systems in two countries differ. MTCs (multi‐technology corporations) are stronger in Korea national innovation system while small innovative firms play important roles in Taiwan national innovation system. Technology fusion has been an important source of technological innovation, and it suggests possible advantage for the Korean innovation system because it is a common belief that global size firms ‐ most of them are multi‐technology corporations ‐ can perform better in multi‐technology fusion and scientific research. The result of patent bibliometrics suggests rather complex answers to the belief. Even though Korea shows slight advantage, it may not be ascribed to the large MTCs.