Knowledge accumulation and technological advance: The case of synthetic rubber

Abstract

The paper analyses the nature of the process of knowledge accumulation in synthetic rubber (SR) which has resulted in the advancement of SR technology. The contribution to knowledge from inventive and innovative activities of both the business sector and the non-business sector is examined. The significance of the integration and interaction of knowledge building activities among these sectors and within each sector to the advancement of SR technology, is highlighted. Within the business sector this interaction is among producers and users of synthetic rubber and producers of related inputs to the rubber production and rubber goods manufacturing industry. The industries within the sector are defined as the ‘rubber complex’ and its is observed that the inventive and innovative activities of the complex follow the same direction, namely, of advancing the technology for the production and application of synthetic rubber as an industrial raw material. The non-business sector has no vested interest in the production or utilisation of synthetic rubber. Nevertheless their contribution to new knowledge on the raw material rubber, also follow the same trend as that established by the business sector. The overall result is a process of knowledge accumulation which specifically enhances the use of SR in rubber goods manufacture, as against the use of the traditional raw material natural rubber.