Developing technologies or learning institutions? Exploring the role of hackathons for developing innovation capability in emerging economies: the case of Taiwan

The paper deals with issues concerning latecomers’ industrial catch-up. Using the recent development of hackathons as an example, this study explores how actors in an emerging economy manage to enhance innovation capability through certain events. Based on qualitative studies on the innovation activities and outcomes within major hackathons in Taiwan, this paper argues that, thanks to the unique environment and settings of hackathons, industrial actors in Taiwan are able to not only obtain resources and stimulus to facilitate their production of and investments in innovation, but also to improve local institutions for innovation. In addition to demonstrating the nature of these latecomers’ enhanced innovation capability, we also explain key mechanisms contributing to hackathons’ specific innovation dynamisms. © 2018, © 2018 Korean Society for Innovation Management and Economics (KOSIME).