The hidden catalyst for industrial convergence between the MMOG industry and the online broadcasting industry in South Korea

This paper explores the convergence process by focusing on the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) industry and the online broadcasting industry in South Korea. In doing so, the paper seeks to establish the concept of Hidden catalysts for the integration process between the two industries and explore the roles of the Hidden catalysts in triggering the industry’s transition. Further, the modified multi-level socio-technical model we applied in our research allows us both to understand each industry’s development towards convergence in various dimensions and also to focus on the activities of the Hidden catalysts. In assessing the role of Hidden catalysts in industry convergence, we found that Hidden catalysts depend on two essential features: first, ap-propriate technology leading to the new industry dominance; and second, managerial capabili-ties to deal with conflicts among other new interest groups, to harmonise with government initia-tives for industry development and to create new value in the integrated market to please the de-mand of mixed customers.

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