Anticipation of converging technology areas - A refined approach for the identification of attractive fields of innovation

摘要

A series of product innovations owe their economic success and origin to the impetus and know-how from disciplines and industries that were hitherto unfamiliar to the actors in the industries concerned. This phenomenon, known as "convergence", leads to emerging industry segments and offers a wide array of opportunities for synergies. Against this background, a significant emphasis has been put on anticipating technology convergence as well as identifying and understanding the changing innovation patterns and industry structure associated with convergence. The timely recognition of converging technological fields enables the innovating enterprises to exert a positive influence on the changing value-chain.