A method for partner selection in R&D collaboration between large companies and SMEs using patent information

This study has focused on the increasingly R&D cooperative efforts that are being made, especially between large firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In order to promote win-win alliances beginning at the planning stage, it is necessary to consider the capabilities of both large firms and SMEs. To overcome this problem, we propose a method of partner selection for R&D collaboration between large companies and SMEs. In order to develop this method, the first step was to consider technology roadmapping that is a necessary element in the selection for this purpose of a large firm. Second, we used context analysis to generate a list of appropriate SME candidates. Finally, we suggested a Bayesian network model that uses patent information as a tool for selecting an SME among potential candidates R&D with a large firm. We applied this approach to the semiconductor industry and selected theoretical R&D partners for a large firm, and the Bayesian network model was used to select the SME that had the highest potential for good collaboration among the available candidates. This paper will elucidate how to use it as a systematic and analytic method for creating effective partnerships between large firms and SMEs.