本研究以類神經網路探討專利相對定位、研發支出以及員工生產力對於銷售額之影響,並以美國IC設計產業為其研究對象。研究結果顯示,專利相對定位、研發支出與員工生產力會對於銷售額產生正向效果。因此,美國IC設計公司必須投入更多研發資源,以提升其最重要技術領域之技術領先程度。此外,美國IC設計公司在研發支出上的投入必須適當,當研發支出投入量過多時反而會對銷售額產生負向效果。再者,美國IC設計公司亦必須提高員工的生產力,使其達到最適量,進而提高銷售額。因此,本研究發現專利相對定位、研發支出與員工生產力是美國IC設計公司銷售額的驅動因子。本研究進一步將美國IC設計公司分為三個群組,並且依其特性差異給予不同的建議。
This study uses artificial neural networks to explore the influences of relative patent position, R&D expenditures, and employee productivity upon sales in the American IC design industry. The results show that American IC design companies should invest more R&D resources to enhance their leading positions in their most important technological fields. In addition, American IC design companies should invest appropriate R&D expenditures because there would be a negative effect toward sales if the R&D expenditure exceeds the appropriate amounts. Besides, American IC design companies need to enhance their employee productivity to an appropriate volume in order to raise their sales. Therefore, this study finds out relative patent position, R&D expenditures, and employee productivity are three drivers for sales of American IC design companies. Furthermore, this study develop a classification for the American IC design companies to divide them into three groups, and provide them some suggests.