Technologiediffusion

Technologiediffusion is the process by which technological innovations are spread and adopted within a population, organization, or society. It encompasses how, why, and at what speed new technologies are adopted, as well as how they become integrated into routines and infrastructures. The study of technologiediffusion draws on sociology, economics, and information theory, and often uses models that describe diffusion as an S-shaped curve.

Key concepts include adopter categories (innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, laggards), relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Diffusion occurs through communication channels and social networks, influenced by the characteristics of the technology, the decision-making context, and the surrounding institutions and policies. The diffusion process can be vertical (across sectors or organizations) or horizontal (within a social system).

Common diffusion models include the Bass model, which separates innovation and imitation effects, and various agent-based or system dynamics models used to simulate adoption patterns. Measurement typically uses metrics such as adoption rate, cumulative penetration, and time to adoption.

Implications of technologiediffusion include productivity growth, shifts in competitive advantage, and potential digital divides between groups with unequal access to technology or skills. Policy and institutional factors, such as standards, subsidies, and training programs, can accelerate or hinder diffusion.

See also: diffusion of innovations, technology adoption, information diffusion.