Schumpeter and technology networks

A Schumpeterian Perspective on Technology Networks

Karol I. Pelc[1]

Chapter in: E. G. Carayannis and C. Ziemnowicz (Eds.) "Re-discovering Schumpeter," Palgrave Macmillan Publ. Ltd., Houndmills Basingstoke, U. K. , Chapter 14, 229 - 242, 2007.

ABSTRACT

Concepts of Joseph Schumpeter related to technology and innovation are reviewed with emphasis on principle of “new combination” of elements involved in an economically successful innovation. Contemporary technology and innovation networks may be viewed as an implementation of the Schumpeter’s ideas. Developing the combinations of different technologies, which are mutually complementary, is one of the most creative and productive forms of technological change. Those interconnected technologies constitute a network that involves several types of interface: economic, cognitive, technical, organizational etc. A definition of technology network and its theoretical model are presented. Technology network is viewed as a constellation of three platforms: knowledge network, innovation network and supply/production network. The model also provides a framework for analysis of complementarities between technologies in a network. Technology networks constitute a new Schumpeterian model of innovation, which is proposed as Schumpeter Mark III, complementary and in addition to the earlier models Schumpeter Mark I and Mark II presented in the literature.

[1] Karol I. Pelc is a Professor of Technology and Innovation Management, Emeritus, at Michigan Technological University, School of Business and Economics, Houghton, Michigan. He may be reached at kipelc@mtu.edu . His webpage address: www.sbe.mtu.edu/kipelc