lärandeeffekten

The learning effect, also known as the experience curve effect, describes the phenomenon where the time and cost required to produce a unit of output decrease as the cumulative experience in producing that output increases. This occurs because individuals and organizations become more efficient and proficient through repetition and learning. As production volume grows, workers become more skilled, processes are refined, and new technologies may be adopted, all contributing to lower production costs per unit.

This effect is not limited to manufacturing. It can be observed in service industries, software development, and even in the learning of new skills. The key principle is that practice and accumulated knowledge lead to improved performance. The rate of improvement typically follows a predictable pattern, often represented by a curve where the cost reduction is steepest in the early stages of production and gradually flattens out as experience becomes more extensive.

Understanding the learning effect is crucial for strategic decision-making. Companies can leverage this principle by striving for higher production volumes to accelerate their experience accumulation and gain a competitive cost advantage. It implies that early market entrants or those who achieve significant market share may benefit from a sustained cost advantage over later entrants or smaller competitors.