- 學位論文
從網通到電信：臺灣網通廠的發展及追趕
From Netcom to Telecom: The Development and The Catch-Up of Taiwanese Network Communications Manufacturers
摘要
隨著行動通訊世代演進、資訊技術（IT）與通訊技術（IC）匯流趨勢，以及基地台架構解耦（de-couple）趨勢之下，使基地台市場領先者地位受到挑戰。本研究以臺灣網通產業的小型基地台（small cell）為例，探討臺灣網通產業如何轉型至電信產業。具體而言，本研究嘗試回答以下兩個問題：（1）後進者如何建立及升級其技術能力？他們又如何抓住擴大市場的機會之窗？（2）公共研發機構在臺灣網通廠進入電信產業的過程中扮演了什麼角色，以及對這個過程產生了什麼影響？ 本研究採質性研究方法，主要透過與臺灣網通廠、公共研發機構及電信運營商進行深度訪談以蒐集資料。研究發現：臺灣網通廠利用長年鑽研電腦周邊設備製造以及深耕數據傳輸（datacom）技術優勢，使其達成「少量多樣」的範疇經濟生產模式，進而實現以下三方面的演化：（1）市場：從OEM、ODM／零售網通市場，轉向白牌／解決方案供應者的電信市場；（2）技術：從單一產品及產品內系統整合，轉向產品間系統整合及提供整體解決方案；（3）區位：從基於臺灣的研發生產、跨境生產體系轉向空間佈局更加全球化的生產體系。此外，本研究亦發現公共研發機構在臺灣追求進入具有更高技術、資本門檻的電信市場方面發揮了重要作用。公共研發機構透過提供各種自上而下的技術與制度支持，促進臺灣網通廠的轉型。然而由於電信市場具有屬地性及穩定性的特點，公共研發機構和臺灣網通廠仍需要等待其他機會以有效挑戰先行者的優勢。
並列摘要
Given the evolution of mobile communication technology generations, the trends of information technology and communication technology convergence, and the decoupling of radio access network hardware and software architectures, leaders in the base station sector have faced greater challenges in the market. Using the small cell products in Taiwan's network communication (Netcom) industry as the case, this study explores how transformation from the Netcom industry to the Telecom industry was made possible in Taiwan. Specifically, it seeks to answer two questions: (1) How do latecomers build up and upgrade their technological capabilities? How can they seize the window of opportunities for market expansion? (2) What are the roles of public research institutes (PRIs) in and their influences on the processes through which Taiwanese Netcom firms were allowed to step into the Telecom industry? This study adopts qualitative research methods and collects its data mainly through conducting in-depth interviews with relevant actors in Taiwan’s Netcom and Telecom industries, and public research institutes. It is found that, being able to take advantage of their existing capacities in computer peripherals manufacturing and data transmission (datacom) technologies, and to achieve economies of scope in production, i.e. small volume and high mix, Taiwan’s Netcom firms evolution manifested in the following dimensions: (1) Market: from the OEM/retail Netcom markets to the white-box/solution-provider telecom markets; (2) Technology: from the production of single products and intra-product system integration to the inter-product system integration and the provision of total solution; (3) Location: from Taiwan-based R&D and production, and a cross-border production system to a more spatially-globalized production system. In addition, this study found that PRIs have played important roles in Taiwan’s pursuit of entering the telecom market with higher technology and capital thresholds. PRIs facilitated the transformation of Taiwan’s Netcom firms through providing various top-down technological and institutional supports. However, based on this study, it is suggested that, owing to the telecom market is characterized by territoriality and stability, PRIs and Taiwan’s Netcom firms still need to wait for other opportunities to challenge forerunners’ advantages.