1. Liang Yong José Luis Simões
Innovation and Technology Transfer
Sectoral patterns of technical change: Towards a taxonomy and a theory by Keith PAVITT
Liang Yong
José Luis Simões
March 2001

2. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Describe and explain sectoral patterns of technical change
Similarities and differences amongst sectors in the sources, nature and impact of innovation
Suggestion of a taxonomy and theoretical explanation

3. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Data base
data from UK between
Approach and structure
data grouped in sectoral categories
Make a statistical analysis

4. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Analysis of data (I)
Sectoral experts identify the three most important knowledge input for each innovation
Distinguish between process innovation and product innovation
Information about :
firm size
principal activity sector of innovation

5. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Analysis of data (II)
Classification of innovations in each sector according to production, use principal activity of the innovating firm
5 categories

6. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Sources of knowledge input
59 % inside firms
34 % other firms
7 % public technological infrastucture

7. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Sectoral patterns
prevalence of product innovation:
73,8 % in USA
75,3 % in UK
Characteristics of innovating firms
Size
technological diversification

8. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
The ingredients
Two CentralCharacteristies
of innovation And Innovating firms
Patterns of innovation are cumulaitve in development. varied amongest sectors in source and direction.
cumulation
variety

9. Different trajectories can in turn be explained by sectoral differences in three characteristics. Source tech: inside firm-R&D libraries and production engineering departments. Outside firm-suppliers, users, government financed research and advice.Users’need can very.

10. The main technological linkages amongst different categories of firms
Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Supplier dominated frims
Science-based firms
Scale-intesive firms
Specialised equipment suppliers
The main technological linkages amongst different categories of firms

11. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Implications
Science and technology push vs demand pull
Product vs process innovation
Locus of process innovation
Diversity
Firm size

12. Towards a taxonomy and a theory
Suggestions for the future
1) Test taxanomy
2) The taxanomy needs to de modified and extended
3) Use the taxanomy for policy makers and analysts
4) The taxonomy and the theory may have more powerful uses
5) Warnings for policy makers and academic social scientists