Effects of knowledge diffusion on international joint research and science convergence: Multiple case studies in the fields of lithium-ion battery, fuel cell and wind power

The goal of this study is to investigate relationships among IJR (international joint research) network, knowledge diffusion and science convergence. Based on scientometric analysis, lithium-ion battery, fuel cell and wind power were evaluated by regression analysis statistically. The following three hypotheses were established and verified: countries having higher centrality in IJR networks are more likely to be early adopters; knowledge diffusion increases as IJR network density increases; and science convergence increases as knowledge diffusion increases. For verifying hypotheses, we measured annual number of countries as knowledge diffusion, annual Rao–Stirling index as science convergence and annual network density, degree centrality of IJR network and conduct regression analysis among these. In conclusion, an important implication is that knowledge diffusion may significantly contribute to increase science convergence and international joint research network, one of the major sources of innovative technologies. •Knowledge diffusion can be affected by international joint research network.•Knowledge diffusion can be one of the most important drivers of science convergence.•The early adopters can be leaders in international joint research.