Abstract

In the paper, an analysis is made of the intolinkages between systems, key components and components' generic technologies in building technological competencies. The sample consists of a set of seven Japanese and four European firm in the industrial, consumer electronics and materials sectors, engaged in the field of optoelectronics. Three tyes of information-—scientific publications, US patenting and interview data—are used. The findings demonstrate the existence ofsuch interlinkages.It was possible to confirm empirically the concept of generic technologies which are the basic underbing technologies forming thefoundation of a range of key components. The generic technologia are important for all firms, irrespectives of their final product markets. Building capabilities at the upstream and over a long period allows firms to develop more high value-added systems and products. It also provides forms with the opportunity to branch into new areas.