Technology roles and paths of influence in an ecosystem model of technology evolution

Abstract

We propose a new conceptual model for understanding technology evolution that highlights dynamic and highly interdependent relationships among multiple technologies. We argue that, instead of considering technologies in isolation, technology evolution is best viewed as a dynamic system or ecosystem that includes a variety of interrelated technologies. By considering the interdependent nature of technology evolution, we identify three roles that technologies play within a technology ecosystem. These roles are components, products and applications, and support and infrastructure. Technologies within an ecosystem interact through these roles and impact each others' evolution. We also classify types of interactions between technology roles, which we term paths of influence. We demonstrate the use of our proposed model through examples of wireless networking (Wi-Fi) technologies and a business mini-case on the digital music industry.

Understanding Patterns of Technology Evolution: An Ecosystem Perspective

“…In practice, however, a manager is interested in the analysis of a specific set of technologies in a specific context. A specific ecosystem view is defined by identifying the technologies and their roles that are relevant to the analysis at hand [1]. Using the technology ecosystem model, an analyst defines a focal technology and a context for identifying the relative technology ecosystem view.…”

“…Since technologies change over time, any practical model of technological evolution must consider the temporal aspects of such change. To represent the influence that current technologies have on future technologies, the technology ecosystem model defines paths of influence [1].…”

“…For the purposes of this paper we adopt the 3x3 matrix that classifies the paths of influence as shown in Table 1. For more detail on paths of influence, see Adomavicius et al [1].…”

“…Instead, it is necessary to consider the system of interrelated technologies and environmental factors that influence the evolution and development of a given technology as a whole. Adomavicius et al [1] proposed a new ecosystem model of technology evolution for understanding the dynamic nature of technological evolution. In this paper, we will build on this prior work and present common patterns of technology evolution using examples from the end-user computing and electronics industry.…”

Digital Business Ecosystem Tools as Interoperability Drivers

“…In a Digital Ecosystem, a leadership structure is formed in response to the dynamic needs of the environment [4]. An agent in a Digital Ecosystem can be both a client and a server at the same time.…”