Technology and Culture: the Dissemination and the Potential 'Lock-In' of New Technologies

Loet Leydesdorff

Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 2001, vol. 4, issue 3, 5

Abstract: How do technological innovations change the patterns of their cultural diffusion in socio-economic networks? Cellular automata enable us to show Arthur's (1988) model of a potential 'lock-in' of a new technology in terms of dominant colours on the screen. The 'lock-in' effects can be combined with local learning, network effects, and more complex dynamics. Recursive and interaction terms can thus be declared separately in the construction of a simple, but non-linear model of technological development and innovation. This enables us to specify conditions for a 'break-out' or a 'deadlock' between competing technologies. Using Axelrod's (1997) simulation model of 'cultural dissemination' as another network effect, it will be shown that the cultural assimilation of a new technology can co-evolve with the 'lock-in' of a dominant technology. This effect can be annihilated by the further development of the communication with an emerging dimension. Implications for technology and innovation policies will be specified.

Keywords: lock-in; technology; culture; dissemination; innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001-06-30
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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