Rat Race Dynamics and Crazy Companies: The Diffusion of Technologies and Social Behavior

How and why do technologies spread when and where they do? What are the implications and consequences for the structure, wealth, and management of human organizations? These expansive questions were the subject of the presentations and discussions of the International Conference on Diffusion of Technologies and Social Behavior, summarized in this chapter. The chapter is organized under the following headings: empirical regularities; theoretical issues; predictability; roles of time and space; definition of niche and innovation; selection dynamics; role of marketing; social aspects of diffusion; globalization of diffusion processes; and applications of diffusion. While the chapter treats some questions for policy in both the public and private sectors, it emphasizes research needs and opportunities in the diffusion field