JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
(NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)
LIAONING GONGCHENG JISHU DAXUE XUEBAO (ZIRAN KEXUE BAN)
辽宁工程技术大学学报(自然科学版)
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION SYSTEMS (TIS) AS ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE OF MALAYSIA
Hoo Kooi Lim, Seuk Wai Phoong, Ahmad Shuhaimi, Ainin Sulaiman
Abstract
This study employs the Technological Innovation System framework to analyze the development and diffusion of gallium nitride technology in Malaysia. It investigates the role of key actors—government, industry, and academia in shaping the "direction of search" in advancing gallium nitride technology as a promising alternative to traditional silicon technology. The research highlights the strategic role of government initiatives, such as funding and incentives, in attracting industry investment and fostering university research aligned with market needs. Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology Center served as a critical intermediary, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and accelerating innovation. The findings underscore the superior properties and potential applications of gallium nitride in 5G communication and power devices. A bidirectional relationship between government and industry, along with strong academia-industry partnerships, was essential in driving the progress of GaN technology in Malaysia. This study demonstrates how targeted government support and intermediaries can enhance technological capabilities in developing countries. By applying the TIS framework to a developing nation, the research provides insights into how Malaysia’s approach to GaN technology could serve as a model for promoting innovation and economic growth. Additionally, it contributes to the broader understanding of the framework in developing nation contexts, offering valuable lessons for the nations that seeking to strengthen their high-tech industries, particularly in alignment with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy.
Keywords: gallium nitride, technological innovation system, direction of search, intermediary