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Large And Latecomer Firms: The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company And Taiwan'S Electronics Industry

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  • CHIA‐WEN LEE
  • ROGER HAYTER
  • DAVID W. EDGINGTON

Abstract

This paper focuses on the role of Taiwan's ‘latecomer firms’ that are also large firms in developing technological capability within the electronics industry. Taiwan illustrates a latecomer country that has industrialised in the late twentieth century through export‐based industrialisation and latecomer firms are indigenous influences shaping this process. Large firms comprise a business segment distinctive from small firms and giant MNCs, and are characterised by strong commitments to innovation. Conceptually, a framework is outlined that connects latecomer firms with the triad business segmentation model, local technology learning as summarised by reverse product cycle dynamics and clustering. Empirically, the study focuses on the evolutionary dynamics of a latecomer case study, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, to reveal important insights regarding the development of Taiwan's internationally competitive technological capabilities. The case study reveals the significance of large latecomer firms to the technology learning process, and in reducing technology gaps with global leaders.

Suggested Citation

  • Chia‐Wen Lee & Roger Hayter & David W. Edgington, 2010. "Large And Latecomer Firms: The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company And Taiwan'S Electronics Industry," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 101(2), pages 177-198, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:tvecsg:v:101:y:2010:i:2:p:177-198
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9663.2009.00539.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. David W Edgington & Roger Hayter, 2012. "New Relationships between Japanese and Taiwanese Electronics Firms," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(1), pages 68-88, January.

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