Abstraction, Knowledge Flows, and the Rapid Dissemination of Emerging Technologies

Format:Print
| Language:English

Abstract

Many emerging technologies are remarkably complex and embody high levels of technological sophistication, and they often are key enablers for new products and services. Yet the speed of dispersal of the know-how required to employ these technologies and foster widespread adoption is faster than ever. In this paper we propose abstraction and increasing levels of abstraction as lenses for understanding the packaging of technological knowledge, and the evolution and propagation of the innovations that they embody. Abstractions structure and package complexity in ways that makes it easier to understand and remix, and they decrease the resources needed by firms to deploy sophisticated technical knowledge. When design and production tools embody abstractions of know-how, they provide an important conduit for the transmission of knowledge.

Keywords

Emerging Technologies; Technological Innovation; Knowledge Dissemination

Citation

Shih, Willy C. "Abstraction, Knowledge Flows, and the Rapid Dissemination of Emerging Technologies." In Strategic Management of Emerging Technologies. Paper presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 12–14, 2018.

About The Author

Willy C. Shih

Technology and Operations Management

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