Technological Change and the Evolution of Corporate Innovation

This book represents an original study of long term patterns in technological development and innovation in large corporations. The author is primarily concerned with understanding open-ended transformation processes in the evolution of industrialised societies. US patent data from 1890 to 1990 is employed within an evolutionary framework. The book offers an overview of an intellectual agenda associated with a highly important and pervasive set of phenomena and challenges several dogmas currently alive within economic reasoning including:



technological paradigms governing trajectories of opportunity
the S-shaped image of the technological growth cycle and technological dynamics
long waves
industrial dynamics
the variety of firms' technological profiles and corporate trajectories
corporate technological leadership
socio-economic transformation processes and underpinning 'rules'.

Technological Change and the Evolution of Corporate Innovation details historically how the innovative and competitive landscapes within industrialised societies have become increasingly complex. This book will appeal to industrial and business economists, technology historians, researchers, students, policymakers and business analysts.