Work

Technological innovation and complexity theory

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: Complexity theory has become influential in recent models in social science. In the context of innovations and new technologies, most applications have focused on technology adoption and technology diffusion, whereas the topic of the innovation process has received less attention. This paper discusses three families of complexity models of technological innovation: fitness landscape models, network models and percolation models. The models are capable of analysing complex interaction structures (between components of technologies, between agents engaged in collective invention) while avoiding ‘over-parameterisation’. The paper ends with discussing the methodological challenges and critiques regarding the application of complexity theory that remain.

Source: Economics of Innovation and New Technology

DOI: 10.1080/10438590500141453

Author: Koen Frenken

Institution: Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission