Towards a General Modular Systems Theory and its Application to Inter-Firm Product Modularity
Year: 1999
Type: preprint
Abstract: Many systems migrate towards increasing or decreasing modularity, yet no explicit causal models exist to explain this process. This paper builds a general theory of modular systems, drawing on systems research from many disciplines. This general theory is then used to derive a model of inter-firm product modularity, including testable research propositions. The latter model provides a valuable tool for predicting technological trajectories, and demonstrates how the general theory may be applied to specific systems.
Source: SSRN Electronic Journal
Author: Melissa A. Schilling
Institution: New York University
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3122942865