Relationships among international joint research, knowledge diffusion, and science convergence: the case of secondary batteries and fuel cells

Recently, innovation through convergence is being conductedactively. Therefore, understanding the process of facilitatingconvergence is very important for innovation. According to somestudies, diffusion is a factor promoting convergence, and isaffected by international joint research (IJR) networks. Theobjective of this study is to investigate the relationships amongIJR networks, knowledge diffusion, and science convergence. Forthis purpose, we used network analysis and regression analysis,based on scientometric analysis in the fields of lithium ionbatteries and fuel cells. The results are as follows. First, instituteswith high centrality in IJR networks are more likely to be earlyadopters, and IJR networks in which knowledge is diffused arescale-free. Second, knowledge diffusion is an important factor inpromoting science convergence. This study is significant as itdetermines that knowledge diffusion may significantly helpincrease science convergence and IJR networks, one of the majorsources of innovative technologies.