Patent network analysis of inter-industrial knowledge flows: The case of Korea between traditional and emerging industries

Abstract

Based on the notion of the national innovation system (NIS), this paper proposes an exploratory method of measuring inter-industrial knowledge flows. The proposed measures are based on patent analysis and input–output analysis. By employing the Korean case, the knowledge measures are gauged and the knowledge network is visualized. For both disembodied and embodied knowledge, the densities of the knowledge network have steadily increased over time and the knowledge linkage between the traditional sector and the emerging sector has become more active, along with the evolutionary advancement of industrial structure. However, the knowledge network is still incomplete in that some weak ties and missing links exist. Although the Korean case may not be generally applicable due to national idiosyncrasies, the proposed framework provides a useful tool for measuring knowledge stock and flows at sectoral or industrial level.