Week 2: Tech's History and Fundamentals

Question 1

Describe Emergence

Answer 1

Emergence considers the time in which a technology comes into use and the effects is has on society.

Emergence also allows for a first mover advantage before competition from larger companies starts to appear.

Question 2

Describe Convergence

Answer 2

Convergence contrast with emergence in that it features a reduction in the key players in the market.
Larger companies will start to create technology themselves or acquire other businesses.

Horizontal convergence: Consolidation of many businesses into one. We discussed examples beyond technology like a large US oil company buying multiple independent oil refineries.

Vertical convergence: Consolidation of supply chains. We discussed examples beyond technology like a meat supplier buying up one or more levels of the supply chain (e.g. cattle, meat packing plants, deliveries).

Question 3

Describe Pervasiveness

Answer 3

At this point technology permeates a society and its presence is assumed, time will tell if more recent technologies will become pervasive.