Theoretical Background: General Purpose Technology, Pattern of Innovation, and Spin-Out

By reviewing previous research, this chapter aims to clarify the positioning of this study and the academic contributions of this study. This chapter is roughly divided into three parts. First, it outlines previous studies on innovation of highly versatile technology. Then, it looks at studies on patterns of innovation. Next, it analyzes discussions on the relationship between spin-outs, labor mobility, and innovation. Lastly, it positions this study’s own the academic contributions in the context of this previous literature.