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2021 , Vol. 65 >Issue 1: 91 - 101

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2021.01.014

Technology Convergence: Connotation, Status, Measurement, and the Relationship with Interdisciplinary Science

  • Zhang Lin ,
  • Peng Yujie ,
  • Du Huiying ,
  • Huang Ying
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  • 1. School of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046;
    2. School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072;
    3. Centre for R&D Monitoring(ECOOM) and Department of MSI, KU Leuven, Leuven B-3000, Belgium

Received date: 2020-05-05

  Revised date: 2020-08-18

  Online published: 2021-01-05

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Abstract

[Purpose/significance] The intersection and infiltration between disciplines and the convergence and integration of technologies are essential forces to promote the development of modern science and technology. By clarifying the connotation of technology convergence, this paper explores its research progress and measuring indicators, so as to provide a reference for understanding the knowledge structure of technology convergence and related research. [Method/process] We firstly employed the literature survey and bibliometrics methods to analyze the connotation of technology convergence and technology fusion. Then, we visualized the distribution of discipline and theme for technological convergence research and summarized the measurement indicators from the perspective of diversity and cohesion. Finally, we further clarified the similarities and differences between technology convergence and interdisciplinary research. [Result/conclusion] Technology convergence and technology fusion have the same connotation in many cases, and the subtle differences between them are reflected in the convergence patterns. Measuring the degree of the technology convergence includes two perspectives: 1) diversity scope: introducing the three dimensions of variety, balance, and disparity; 2) cohesion scope: concerning the network attribute of technology fields. From the first-order and second-order theme, the research activities of technology convergence and interdisciplinary are similar. Interdisciplinary indicators of the same perspective and dimension also provide a reference for measuring the degree of technology convergence, diversity and measuring the convergence relationship between different technologies.

Key words： technology convergence; technology fusion; multidimensional measure; interdisciplinary science

Cite this article

Zhang Lin , Peng Yujie , Du Huiying , Huang Ying . Technology Convergence: Connotation, Status, Measurement, and the Relationship with Interdisciplinary Science[J]. Library and Information Service, 2021 , 65(1) : 91 -101 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2021.01.014

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