In the context of the rapid advancement of new technological revolution and industrial transformation,key core technologies serve as a decisive force in enhancing national competitiveness and ensuring national security, directly influencing a country′s ability to seize the initiative in international strategic competition. Unlike general technologies, key core technologies encompass a series of continuously evolving innovation processes, including knowledge innovation, technology incubation, and the development of key products. The complexity and dynamics of these technologies have led to a lack of consensus in research concerning their definition and identification. This paper thus focuses on the issue of innovation breakthroughs in key core technologies from multidimensional perspectives, including knowledge, technology, and industry. Existing literature primarily emphasizes single-dimensional analyses of knowledge, technology, or industry, without fully developing a comprehensive theoretical framework that encapsulates the intricate dynamics of an integrated innovation system. Moreover, the dynamic and complex coupling interaction mechanisms between system innovation actors during technological breakthroughs, as well as the laws of technological evolution, remain areas in need of further investigation. Therefore, this paper, from the perspective of multi-layer coupled networks, explores the characteristics and evolution of the "knowledge-technology-industry" (KTI) coupled innovation system for key core technologies.
This study first defines the concept of key core technologies. Next, it delves into the analysis of the KTI coupled innovation system through the lens of a multi-layered coupled network approach, which reveals the core logic of innovation. This logic is structured around a sequence of stages: starting with fundamental knowledge innovation, proceeding to breakthroughs in technological principles, and culminating in the development of new technologies. On the basis of the definition of key core technologies and system characteristics, a method for identifying such technologies based on multi-layer coupled innovation network analysis is proposed. This method integrates complex network topology feature measurements, higher-order invariant models, and multiple PageRank centrality algorithms. Finally, the study explores the evolutionary characteristics and critical conditions of the KTI coupled innovation system at different stages of its lifecycle and proposes future research directions to promote breakthroughs in key core technologies.
The results show that the multi-layer coupled innovation network of key core technologies exhibits both multi-layeredness and coupling, with corresponding nodes displaying dynamic core and critical properties. To refine the concept of key core technologies, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that transcends the examination of individual technologies or isolated layers. The process should initiate with a thorough evaluation of the foundational technological knowledge, the underlying structural framework, and the platforms facilitating transformational applications.A significant focus should be on the (KTI) coupled innovation system, which is central to understanding the complex interactions and couplings between knowledge, technology, and industry subsystems. By analyzing the joint effects within and between layers of knowledge, technology, and collaborative R&D networks in the multi-layer coupled network, key core technologies can be identified. The pursuit of breakthroughs in key core technologies is a dynamic and long-term systemic challenge. By analyzing the stage-specific characteristics and critical conditions of the KTI coupled innovation system′s lifecycle and designing network governance mechanisms, the effectiveness and resilience of system innovation can be enhanced, facilitating breakthroughs in key core technologies.
This paper introduces innovation system theory and complex system theory, providing new research perspectives and directions for the multidimensional exploration of the KTI coupled innovation system. It also offers new methods for exploring the dynamic and complex coupling interaction mechanisms among actors within the innovation system. On the basis of the evolution of the KTI coupled innovation system, the paper investigates the evolution patterns and breakthrough development directions of key core technologies. The paper provides theoretical and methodological support for systematically understanding the essence and evolution of key core technologies, guiding innovation actors in overcoming technological bottlenecks. The findings are crucial for promoting the effective coupling of innovation resources and R&D needs, formulating technological innovation policies and strategic plans by governments and management departments, achieving independent and controllable key core technologies, and ensuring national security and international competitiveness.