A New Measurement to Understand Convergence Phenomenon

Abstract

Many scholars have persevered in understanding the convergence process by developing a measurement that reflects the characteristics of the convergence phenomenon as a process. Recently a series of studies suggested a framework in terms of diversity and coherence. However, an index for coherence is required to reflect the vital features of the conceptual definition, and thus a new index for coherence is proposed in this paper. Technology Convergence Index combines diversity and coherence and indicates the degree of the convergence in information computer technology (ICT), biotechnology (BT) and nanotechnology (NT) sectors. The index can not only be used to track each technology field that consists of a major technology sector, but also to compare other leading countries. Based on a comparison study between the United States and South Korea, the degrees of technology convergence of Korea in ICT, BT, and NT sectors have ameliorated.