Whereas hybrid technologies are a direct combination of two ideas, fusion refers to a more ‘basic transformation of the two (or more) technologies involved.”
Multidisciplinary teams explore ways to combine existing technologies.
Example: Japan’s ‘mechatronics’ (fusion of machine tools and electronics) industry was the result of cooperation between Fanuc (control technology), NSK (bearings), and the company that invented Teflon.
Source: Tatsuno, S. (1990). Created in Japan: from imitators to world-class innovators.