Open AccessThe nature of ICT in technology convergence: A knowledge-based network analysis
Author(s) -
Sungdo Jung,
Keungoui Kim,
Changjun Lee
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0254424
Subject(s) - centrality , information and communications technology , convergence (economics) , network analysis , technological convergence , computer science , entropy (arrow of time) , knowledge management , cluster analysis , information technology , index (typography) , social network analysis , data science , data mining , business , telecommunications , mathematics , engineering , artificial intelligence , statistics , economics , world wide web , social media , physics , quantum mechanics , electrical engineering , economic growth , operating system
This study aims to understand the nature of information and communication technology in technology convergence. We form a knowledge network by applying social network theories to Korean patent data collected from the European Patent Organization. A knowledge network consists of nodes representing technology sectors identified by their International Patent Classification codes and edges that link International Patent Classification codes when they appear concurrently in a patent. We test the proposed hypotheses using four indices (degree centrality, E-I index, entropy index, and clustering coefficient). The results show that information and communication technology is easily attached but tends to converge with similar technology and has the greatest influence on technology convergence over other technologies. This study is expected to help practitioners and policymakers understand the structure and interaction mechanisms of technology from a systematic perspective and improve national-level technology policies.