Government-driven knowledge networks as precursors to emerging sectors: A case of the hydrogen energy sector in Korea

The government-driven knowledge network of the hydrogen energy sector in Korea provides a good case study for an R&D network incorporating necessary building blocks; it can be regarded as a precursor to an emerging sector even before business relationships form, especially one which involves emerging technologies. Using the social network analysis method, the R&D network is presented in this article. The results show that public research organizations and large firms are key actors with strong collaborative relations, and that they engage in clusters spanning over existing sectors. A government, as a network organizer and manager, could provide the necessary initiatives to facilitate the sharing of risks and solidifying the knowledge base for an emerging sector.