The Changing Patterns of Knowledge Production of Catch-Up Firms During the Forging-Ahead Period: Case Study of Samsung Electronics Co. (SEC)

Abstract

This paper explores the patterns of knowledge production of science and engineering from catching-up via overtaking to the achievement of leadership in global industries. In particular, it examines the depth and direction of knowledge production with proxy variables of patents and bibliometric data of a latecomer firm. Moreover, it explores the changing patterns of knowledge sourcing in the firm during the transition from catch-up to forging ahead and with specific references to the experience of Samsung Electronics Company. This study shows that the patterns of scientific and engineering activities increased as the firm proceeds to the forging ahead period, the patterns of knowledge sourcing evolved in the direction of increasing importance of the domestic knowledge base, and the collaborative partners for generating knowledge changed as the firm's capabilities were enhanced to approach cutting-edge technologies. This paper illuminates the importance of intraorganizational capabilities and domestic knowledge bases to advance a latecomer firm's knowledge generating capabilities into a stage of forging ahead.