Analysis of Convergence Trends in Secondary Batteries

Introduction Convergence refers to the creation of new technologies (or industries, markets) through the combination of two or more technologies (or industries, markets), which is promoted by technical changes, innovations, and technology diffusion, and plays a key role in changing gradual innovations to destructive innovations. Furthermore, convergence is a key factor in accelerating changes in the growth curve of technologies and the life cycle of products (Pennings & Puranam, 2001). This study was conducted to analyze convergence trends in secondary batteries and find their implications. For this purpose, useful papers and patent data for analysis were selected, collected, and processed to calculate the convergence index. This attempt is expected to provide the foundation for predicting convergence by identifying major causes that accelerate convergence. To effectively measure convergence status in this study, the diversity index suggested by Yegros Yegros et al. (2003) was used. The diversity index, which is used to measure interdisciplinary studies, considers three aspects: variety, balance, and disparity. An interdisciplinary study means the integration of different disciplines, thereby creating new academic disciplines. In this study, the convergence index was derived by the integration of different technologies into one technology.