A Theory of Technology Diffusion

Toshihiko Mukoyama ()

Macroeconomics from EconWPA

Abstract: What determines the speed of the technology diffusion? What are the consequences of diffusion? This paper presents a model to address these questions. Skilled machine-users adopt a new technology first, while unskilled users wait until machines become more reliable and accessible. The quality improvement of machines is the engine of diffusion, and it is carried out by the machine producer. The speed of diffusion is affected by the skill distribution in the economy. At any point in time, the machine producer can start producing a new generation of machines. The timing of this event is influenced by the skill distribution.

Keywords: Technology Diffusion; Skill; Quality Improvement; Learning by Using; R&D; Innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E00 J31 O31 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-com, nep-dev and nep-lam
Date: 2003-03-19, Revised 2003-06-03
Note: Type of Document - Acrobat PDF; prepared on IBM PC; to print on HP/PostScript; pages: 38 ; figures: included. pdf, 38 pages, figures included
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Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wpa:wuwpma:0303010

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