Effect of Government Support, Network and R&D Capability on Convergence Capability: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Technology Commercialization

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among government support, network and R&D capabilities and convergence capabilities with mediating effect of technology commercilization in order to foster the efficiency of Korean R&D industry. We attempted to provide meaningful implications for Korean companies that want to increase convergence capabilities for sustainable growth and innovation. Research design, data, and methodology: In o rder to verify the h ypotheses, A survey was conducted on 357 employee who live in Korea. First of all, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for the reliability and validity. Then, we empirically tested hypotheses after comparing the correlation value with the root average variance extracted by checking the discriminant validity and bootstrapping results. Results: First, network capability had a statistically significant effect on convergence capability by itself. Second, it was found that government support and R&D capacity did not have a significant effect on convergence capacity. Third, it was confirmed that government support and R&D capability did not directly affect convergence capability, but had a significant effect through technology commercialization capability. Implications: In today’s era of the 4th industrial revolution, where technological innovation is accelerating, companies are encouraging the enhancement of convergence capabilities by expanding R&D investment or strengthening capabilities that induce innovation, and the government is providing various support services for this purpose. However, this result confirms that the convergence capability cannot be strengthened only by expanding these capabilities. And as an alternative, it is proposed to increase both R&D capability and technology commercialization capability that has proven the full mediation effect in government support. In addition, it is proposed to expand network capabilities that have a positive effect on convergence capabilities on their own.