This thesis aims to identify technology acquisition modes, technological development process and its influencing factors in small and medium-sized companies in Korea.
Integrating reviewed literatures and identifying technological development process, as learning process, technological learning theory(TLT) are proposed. Based on this framework, four preliminary propositions are generated.
To validate these propositions, in-depth case studies for six technology-based firms are carried out. The sample firms are selected all from machinery industry. Data are collected by interviews and questionnaire.
Through longitudinal and in-depth case studies, technological development stages and factors affecting the technological development are analyzed not only quantitatively based on micro data but also qualitatively based on interview data.
The results of case study indicate the followings :
(1) Small and medium-sized companies of Korea acquire technology by adoption of foreign technology, mostly through informal channel.
(2) Technology development process of small and medium-sized companies of Korea seems to follow four stages ; adoption, assimilation, adaptation, and new technology development. But events occured in each stages have some different features according to types of technology and company.
(3) Technological capabilities, technology gap, and some other factors are critical to master adopted technologies.
Influencing factors to technological development of LDC identified through in-depth longitudinal case studies are systemized. Based on the results, nine propositions are generated with respect to : 1) Technology Acquisition Channel 2) Technological Entrepreneur 3) Technology Gap 4) Technological Development Stages 5) Technological Capabilities 6) Inducement of Technological Development 7) Other Influencing Factors 8) Strategy for Technological Development 9) Information Characteristics.
Through these studies, intrinsic principle of TLT could be identified and this will be very useful to understand technological development process of LDC. Further expended research would be necessary to support TLT on statistical basis.
