Technological Paradigms and Technological Trajectories: A Suggested Interpretation of the Determinants and Directions of Technical Change

Abstract

Similarities between technological research and science have been cited in past research, indicating that both technological research paradigms and basic scientific paradigms share many commonalities. Past research has sought to determine the causal relationship between a firm's technological progress and economic success. The current research seeks to define the directionality of this relationship, as well as the significance of innovative activities upon a firm's performance. Considering the impact of both institutional and economic factors, several "technological paradigms" within firms are presented, as are "technological trajectories" which explain the progressive paths for each paradigm. In contrast to current unidirectional models of the innovative process, the research seeks to present a more broadly applicable model for determining advantageous technological paths and innovative processes within firms. Based upon the presented theorized relationships and paradigms, several implications are considered, including differentiating between the development of new technological patterns and their incorporation within an industry. Also considered are "Schumpeterian" phases within industries, and how those phases relate to the incorporation of new technologies within established industries. The findings of the study are discussed in terms of the implications of the paradigms and trajectories upon technical advancement, as well as the potential impact of these relationships upon shaping or contradicting existing economic theories and public policies. (AKP)

Keywords: Technological paradigms, Mature industries, Emerging industries, Technological change, Innovation process, Economic growth, Industrial research