New patterns of technological evolution: Theory and practice

In 2009, Brian Arthur claimed that one of the most important problems to understand regarding technology is to explain how it evolves (p.15ff). In fact, the evolution of technology plays an important role in the economic and social change of human societies (Basalla, 1988; Coccia, 2018, 2019; Hosler, 1994; Sahal, 1981). Technological evolution as a main process of technical change has been compared to biological evolution by many scholars (Arthur, 2009; Basalla, 1988; Coccia, 2018, 2019; Solé et al., 2013; Wagner, 2011). The similarities between biological and technological evolution have generated a considerable literature (Coccia, 2018, 2019). Wagner & Rosen (2014) argued that biological thinking has reduced the distance between life sciences and social sciences (cf., Solé et al., 2013). Basalla (1988) suggested that the history of technology can profitably be seen as analogous to biological evolution. Technological evolution, alongside biological evolution, displays radiations, stasis, extinctions, and novelty (Valverde et al., 2007). In general, patterns of technological innovation emerge and evolve with technological paradigms and trajectories in specific economic, institutional and social environments (Dosi, 1988). Hosler (1994, p.3, original italics) argues that the development of technology is, at least to some extent, influenced by "technical choices", which express social and III political factors, and "technical requirements", imposed by material properties. Arthur & Polak (2006, p.23) claim that: "Technology ... evolves by constructing new devices and methods from ones that previously exist, and in turn offering these as possible components--building blocks--for the construction of further new devices and elements". In particular, Arthur (2009, pp.18-19) argues that the evolution of technology is due to combinatorial evolution: "Technologies somehow must come into being as fresh combinations of what already exists." This combination of components and assemblies is organized into systems or modules to some human purpose and has a hierarchical and recursive structure. Other scholars suggest that technological evolution is driven by solving consequential problems during the engineering process (Coccia, 2017; cf., Dosi, 1988) and by supporting leadership of distinct purposeful organizations --for instance firms-- to achieve the prospect of a (temporary) profit monopoly and/or competitive advantage (Coccia, 2017a). In this context, the main goal of this book is to explain some characteristics of the evolution of technology in society. In particular, this book focuses on new studies that can clarify how new technology evolve, how to measure new directions of technological trajectories, how to classify the evolution of technology, which are the main sources of the evolution of innovation in socioeconomic systems to suggest general properties that can explain technical change in industrial completion. This book is designed for students, undergraduate, graduate or managers in business and public administration that wish to understand critical aspects of the evolution of technology and that wish to expand their knowledge on these research fields. I have attempted to apply simple theories and approaches for explaining theoretical and empirical patterns of technological evolution in socioeconomic systems. Moreover, the studies here are integrated with examples and actual applications in economic and social settings that can help policymakers and manager to design best practices for achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. In order to attain a reasonable depth, this book concentrates on selected topics of particular relevance to the evolution of technology, and which meet the needs of the intended audience. The book is div