A new conception of the diffusion of technological innovations: a system's approach

摘要

This work examines the technological innovation diffusion, from a system's approach. Different aspects of the innovation diffusion process are addressed in order to clarify the various models used to explain the dominant fact: the use of technological innovation over time follows the S curve. Collaborative linkages between companies for the purpose of innovation are increasingly becoming the focus of attention for industrialists, public policy makers and academics. Diffusion theory represents an important perceptive on communication effects. It is robust in scope and has been useful in explaining the spread of new ideas, new practices, and new products. The basic constructs of diffusion - in innovation, adopter categories, the adoption process, personal influence, and the pattern of diffusion - have been of value in conceptualizing the information dissemination process and in suggesting the value of particular change agent interventions. Networking is an important working framework, which gives the potential of sharing and information experiences. Moreover the flow of technological information amongst the nodes of network is facilitated. The role of a network model that will contribute to the diffusion of new technologies, the attributes of the diffusion process and a new system' framework for designing innovation policy is also examined. Existing network methodology has been used to analyze different research questions. Knowledge transfer may be one research question for which network analysis is an appropriate tool.