Rücklenkung

Rücklenkung is a German term that translates to "backward linkage" or "reverse linkage." In various contexts, it describes a process or relationship where a subsequent or dependent element influences or leads back to an earlier or foundational element.

In economics, Rücklenkung can refer to the demand for inputs that arises from the demand for final goods. For example, if there is increased demand for cars (final goods), this creates a Rücklenkung, or backward linkage, to the demand for steel, rubber, and other raw materials (inputs) needed to produce those cars. This concept is closely related to the idea of derived demand.

In computing and software development, Rücklenkung can describe situations where a later stage of processing or a dependency influences the specifications or requirements of an earlier stage. This might occur in project management or when a bug found late in testing necessitates changes to the initial design specifications.

The term is also used in other fields, often denoting a feedback mechanism or a relationship where the effect is traced back to its cause. Understanding Rücklenkung helps in analyzing interdependencies and the flow of influence within complex systems.