5. Conclusions
This study contributes to the literature on the dynamics of technological integration of distant knowledge providing a novel perspective focused on the role of the specific characteristics of the technology itself. In particular, we argue that the generic and pervasive nature of specific technologies may act as bridge allowing inventors to connect components from seemingly unrelated knowledge landscapes. To this end, we introduced the concept of bridging platforms (BPs) as a conceptual extension of key enabling technologies in view of the fact that the aggregate pervasiveness of BPs across different technological fields is likely to generate, in addition to innovation cascades – enabling effect –, connections between distant technologies by offering a technological coupling – bridging effect –. Using EPO patent data for the period between 1996 and 2006, we show that nodes of technologies defined by a broad downstream applicability may operate as bridging platforms across distant knowledge landscapes, exerting a cross-technological coupling effect leading to more original innovation. This adds further evidence to the importance of considering the specific qualities oftechnology in addition to the scope of search processes when analysing the development of original innovations and how technological trajectories evolve. At the same time, our analysis suggests thatthe crucial role PROsplay interms ofdeveloping inter-sectoral technological integration and original innovation is related to their higher propensity to effectively access and use BPs within their inventive activity.
