Towards 4G Mobile Technology: Identifying Windows of Opportunity for A Developing Country

Abstract

Mobile technology is continuously evolving towards the development of fourth generation (4G) cellular telephony. Many countries are anticipating such a new technological deployment while developing countries may also see it as the opportunity for catching up. Within the orientation of innovation building, 4G may act as the medium for triggering country’s innovation policies. This paper aims to identify the windows of opportunity from the upcoming implementation of 4G mobile technology. The methodology is constructed based on the perspective of an innovation system in which mobile cellular is regarded as a series of technological innovations. By utilizing the relevant data of 3G and 4G standard development, we predicted the 4G implementation profile. They consist of a set of technologies which can be the main area of science and technology (S&T) as well as research and development (R&D) activities in a developing country. Policymakers may utilize such opportunities to foster the acquisition and generation of the relevant knowledge in both manufacturing and service industries.

Keywords

• 4G, Developing country
• Innovation, Mobile technology, Windows of opportunity