Dynamics of sectoral innovation system in information and communications technology

Abstract

The transformation of sector systems in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), a prominent character in sector systems, has been paid much attention in innovation theory since the rapid changes that have occurred in Information Technologies (IT) and in the overall technological environment. In this context, we explore how Sectoral Innovation System (SIS) in ICT has been transformed since 1970 by employing US patent data and proxy variables which measure the basic elements for SIS and its technological characteristics. By utilizing patent data, we demonstrate how technological regimes (TR), key links and Schumpeterian patterns of innovation have drastically transformed over the last 3 decades within the ICT sector. We also review how changes in knowledge bases and technological characteristics in ICT-both driving forces of dynamics-help heterogeneous agents interact with environmental factors (industrial structures and institutions) and lead to industrial or economic growth. We then discuss these factors in relation to the ICT sector and through a historical perspective that focuses on Telecommunications, Computer, and Semiconductor sectors. Our research shows clear evidence that Schumpeterian patterns of innovation have shifted from Mark I to Mark Ⅱ in ICT. By Utilizing patent data, our study provides a glimpse picture of the technological dynamics of SIS since 1970.