Module 2: Patterns in innovative activity

Question 1

What is the difference between cumulative and evolutionary technological change?

Answer 1

Cumulative change consist of small changes over time while evolutionary change happen in steps

module 2: slide 5

Question 2

What is the tidal waves of changes (‘Technological revolutions’ or ‘techno-economic paradigms’)?

Answer 2

A series of revolutionary innovations that build upon previous technologies. These tend to accelerate over time.

module 2: slide 13-14

Question 3

What are the consequences of a new techno-economic paradigm?

Answer 3

Winners & losers: nations and firms
Re-design & new configuration of the capital stock
New skill profile in the labor force
New patterns of industrial relations
New national and international regulations
Competitiveness is based on:
–knowledge, creativity & learning
–innovation & R&D

module 2: slide 16

Question 4

What is the main pattern in technological evolution?

Answer 4

The S-curve, which is a function of R&D spending or time, and the performance of technology.

module 2: slide 21

Question 5

What are the four stages of the S-curve?

Answer 5

1. Emergence
2. Rapid Improvement
3. Declining Improvement
4. Maturity

module 2: slide 21

Question 6

What is the sailing ship phenomenon?

Answer 6

It refers to a significant push towards the end of technology development (Maturity in S-curve).

Improvements in ships with sails when competing against steam engine ships.

module 2: slide 23

Question 7

What is the main pattern at the product level?

Answer 7

The product life-cycle (PLC)

Module 2: slide 30

Question 8

Which two different types of innovation is included in the product life cycle? And in which phases do they peak?

Answer 8

1. Product innovation
   Peaks in the (1st) fluid phase, here dominant design is established.
2. Process innovation
   Peaks in the (2nd) transitional phase and continues throughout the (3rd) specific phase

Module 2: slide 32 (details)

Question 9

What is the main pattern in adoption of innovation?

Answer 9

Roger’s innovation adoption curve. (2.5%, 13.5%, 34%, 34%, 16%)

Module 2: slide 37

Question 10

What are the five groups in Roger’s adoption curve?

Answer 10

Innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, laggards.

Module 2: slide 38-39 (details)

Question 11

What are models of adoption of innovations?

Answer 11

Diffusion differential equations.

Question 12

When can innovation patterns be established?

Answer 12

Many can only be established in hindsight, however given credible evidence firms can try to account for it early in innovation management.

Module 2: slide 46