Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy

Asian Society for Innovation and Policy (아시아기술혁신학회)
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Legal Foundation of Silicon Valley: Lessons for Asian Hi-Tech Districts

  • Received : 2014.03.11
  • Accepted : 2014.03.31
  • Published : 2014.05.01
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Abstract

Policy planners in Asia readily covet high technology districts and regional systems of innovation such as Silicon Valley. We examine the law's role, by way of covenants not to compete (競業禁止條項) in the development of Silicon Valley by reviewing the literature from 1999 through 2013. The research suggests that in certain high-tech districts such as Silicon Valley, there are greater gains in the innovation of a region by prohibiting CNCs. While we emphasize CNC law as the main legal determinant to Silicon Valley's success, the application of trade secret law and the inevitable disclosure doctrine are also factors that can aid or restrict the mobility and knowledge spillover of a region. Even with much explored, perspectives are lacking from a regional innovation systems analysis, and more so in the context of Asian nations. To tackle these gaps, three analytical frameworks are presented that entails labor law, law and economics, and law and innovation. And from within the law and innovation framework, research is introduced in the hope that future discussions on Asian regional innovation systems consider the legal foundation of Silicon Valley.

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