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Catching Up of Latecomer Economies in ICT for Sustainable Development: An Analysis Based on Technology Life Cycle Using Patent Data

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  • Na Zhang

    (School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China)

  • Chao Sun

    (School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China)

  • Min Xu

    (School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China)

  • Xuemei Wang

    (School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China)

  • Jia Deng

    (School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China)

Abstract

In the digital economy era, ICT plays a vital role in supporting the sustainable and high-quality development of latecomer economies. Using technology life cycle analysis and patent data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (1960–2014), this study analyzed the catching-up characteristics of latecomer economies (with the US as the first mover), including take-off time, growth time, growth rate, and ceiling values in nine sub-fields of information and communication technology (ICT). We applied the logistic and bi-logistic model to reveal the sequence of technological development and growth speed of different economies in different ICT sub-fields. The results show that European economies (Great Britain, France, and Germany) and the US developed first, followed by Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, with China (Mainland) coming later; Asian economies (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China (Mainland)) displayed synchronous development strategies, while European economies displayed non-synchronous development strategies. Asian economies are catching up with the US, whereas European economies are standing still both in imitation and indigenous processes. Korea and Taiwan prioritized catching up with a few sub-fields in the indigenous process. Finally, we analyzed the technological convergence among economies in their catching-up processes and proposed policy implications for the sustainable development of ICT latecomers.

Suggested Citation

  • Na Zhang & Chao Sun & Min Xu & Xuemei Wang & Jia Deng, 2023. "Catching Up of Latecomer Economies in ICT for Sustainable Development: An Analysis Based on Technology Life Cycle Using Patent Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:9038-:d:1163018
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