Self-reinforcing mechanisms and multi-path dynamics: insights from applying the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) perspective

• The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse self-reinforcing mechanisms in an industry characterized by persistent development of multiple, co-existing technologies in order to demonstrate that multi-path industries can be path dependent. With the help of the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework, a structured analysis (following seven system functions) of self-reinforcing mechanisms is applied for the empirical case of the lighting industry, characterised by co-existence of a number of technologies, including established, or incumbent, technologies (such as incandescent, halogen, fluorescent etc. lamps) as well as the recently added light-emitting diodes (LED) technology.As a result, three types of self-reinforcing mechanisms have been distinguished: 1) mechanisms that affect the lighting industry at the overall level; 2) mechanisms that are relevant for only one narrowly defined lighting technology and 3) mechanisms that unite several (but not all) lighting technologies. This co-existence of path-internal and cross-path self-reinforcing mechanisms confirms that industries characterised by multiple technological paths can have self-reinforcing dynamics and, consequently, be path dependent.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Annan teknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Other Engineering and Technologies (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business (hsv//eng)

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