특허 자료를 활용한 한국과 대만의 대표 파운드리 기업 간 반도체 공정기술 분야 기술경쟁력 및 차별성 비교 분석

Korea and Taiwan have recently been engaged in intense competition in the semiconductor foundry sector, with the rivalry between Samsung and TSMC attracting considerable attention from the global semiconductor industry. This study analyzed the technological competitiveness and distinctions of the two companies by examining the semiconductor technology patents registered with the USPTO over the past 20 years. The accuracy was improved using a patent classification code specific to fabrication technologies for patent searches instead of conventional keyword or company name searches. The comparison was limited to semiconductor fabrication methods or process technologies because Samsung is an integrated device manufacturer, and TSMC is a pure-play foundry. The analytical methods included the weighted degree centrality, log-odds ratio, and standard approaches. In contrast to common expectations, Samsung held only half the number of patents compared to TSMC and lagged behind in terms of the patent quality indicators such as forward citations and patent family size. Regarding technological distinctions, Samsung focused on optics, displays, memory semiconductors, and materials, while TSMC emphasized non-memory semiconductors, manufacturing methods, and equipment. Based on these findings, this study reveals the implications regarding the concerns currently facing Korea's semiconductor industry.