Science Research Management ›› 2023, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5): 70-84.

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International dependence network structure of chip technology and its evolution

Yu Rongjian1, Zhao Yizhi1, Xiang Liyao2   

  1. 1. Global Value Chain Research Center,School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China;
    2. School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Financial and Economy University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China

  • Received:2022-03-22 Revised:2022-12-22 Online:2023-05-20 Published:2023-05-22

Abstract:       In order to solve the dilemma that China′s key core technologies are "under stranglehold" by developed countries, we need to scientifically evaluate the international dependence of key technologies among countries. In view of theoretical disputes and measurement methods in the existing research on technology dependence, based on the resource dependence theory, this paper constructs a measurement model of technology dependence that includes four dimensions: technological structure difference, technological level gap, technological value and substitutability. Chip technology is a typical "stranglehold" technology, and its development level has become one of the important symbols to measure the international competitiveness of a country or region. It is of great practical significance to evaluate the international dependence of chip technology. 
     In this paper, 4 technology modules and 15 major technology monomers in the chip technology field were selected as research samples, and 443,285 invention patent data were obtained. These data were used to measure the pairwise dependence in the chip technology field of five countries or regions, including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe, including unidirectional dependence and bidirectional dependence. According to the dual dependence relationship between the subjects, an international technology dependence network is constructed. The chip technology is divided into single layer, module layer and overall layer to explore the multi-level technology dependence pattern of chip technology, and the research stage is divided into three periods to analyze the evolution characteristics of international technology dependence network in multiple periods of time, and through the analysis of the structure of dependence network, it is used to calculate the security threat index that the technology of each country or region is facing. 
    The study found that the chip technology of Japan and the United States played a major role in the international technology dependence network. Some subjects in the network had a certain degree of technology dependence on China, but China′s external technology dependence was greater than its external dependence, so it was difficult to form a balance ability. The form of international technology dependence network in the field of chip technology is becoming increasingly complex. Although the technology dependence advantages of the United States, Japan and other countries have weakened, the dependence advantages are still significant, and the interdependence between countries (regions) is obviously unbalanced. The security threats faced by Japan and the United States in the field of chip technology are relatively small, but from a multi period perspective, both have shown a gradual upward trend. Although the security threats faced by China in the field of chip technology are gradually declining, compared with Japan and the United States, the technical threats faced by the three modules, namely, material module, design module and manufacturing module, are still large, while the technical threats faced by the sealing and testing link are small. 
    Based on the resource dependence theory, this paper proposes a four-dimensional theoretical structure of technology dependence, which enriches theoretical connotation of technology dependence. Starting from the technology standard, the technology invention patent data is used to measure the international dual technology dependence relationship and degree, and thus to build an international technology dependence network. This innovative method research provides a new methodology for China to carry out comprehensive safety evaluation of key core technologies. Through the measurement and analysis of technology dependent network structure, the security threats faced by key core technologies in various countries or regions are evaluated. This method provides a new perspective for technology threat assessment research. 
    The results of this paper are instructive to the research and judgment of international technology development situation, the analysis of international technology dependence situation, the prediction and investigation of technology threats, and the national science and technology strategic deployment.

Key words: chip technology, international technology dependence, dependent network, patent measurement, network analysis