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Technological diversification, technology portfolio properties, and R&D productivity

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  • Seh-Hyun Yoo

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST))

  • Chang-Yang Lee

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST))

Abstract

This study aims to examine the differential effect of technological diversification on research and development (R&D) productivity based on the qualitative properties of technology portfolios (i.e., the direction of technological diversification). Using the U.S. patent database from 1980 to 2010, we divided overall technological diversification into related and unrelated technological diversification; furthermore, the two potential moderating factors of technology portfolio centrality and R&D consistency were tested across the different types of technological diversification. The notable findings are as follows: First, technology portfolio centrality has a positive moderating effect that is more pronounced as the degree of technological diversification increases. Second, R&D consistency has a positive and linear moderating effect. Third, the positive (negative) effect of technological diversification is more pronounced under related (unrelated) technological diversification. Consequently, firms can better utilize the R&D-productivity-enhancing effect of technological diversification by considering both the current degree of technological diversification and the properties of their technology portfolios.

Suggested Citation

  • Seh-Hyun Yoo & Chang-Yang Lee, 2023. "Technological diversification, technology portfolio properties, and R&D productivity," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(6), pages 2074-2105, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:48:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1007_s10961-022-09953-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-022-09953-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technological diversification; R&D productivity; Technology portfolio; Patent; Network;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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