Diffusion of innovations

About: Diffusion of innovations is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2139 publications have been published within this topic receiving 191397 citations. The topic is also known as: diffusion of innovation & diffusion of innovations theory.

Introduction: Towards a Theory of Robust Innovation

Abstract: Although the label innovation is applied to almost everything, with even the diffusion of innovations to society being called innovation, innovation research remains focused on bringing technology to the economic market. This dissonance provoked the central questions discussed at the 2nd International Conference on Indicators and Concepts of Innovation (ICICI). What are non-technological and non-economic innovations? What impact do these innovations have on the economy? Are there actually purely technological or economic innovations? Consisting of selected answers to these questions, this volume presents international approaches beyond the technology to market mainstream of innovation research as well as analyses of socially robust innovations that succeed in both economic and non-economic markets and are hence more sustainable and more profitable. The 2nd ICICI has been supported by the SCOPES program of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Acculturation of renewable energy technology into remote communities: lessons from Dobrov, Bourdieu, and Rogers and an Indonesian case study

Abstract: Renewable energy technology can meet the energy needs of remote communities if local renewable energy resources are available and if it is deployed in a way that meets reasonable community expectations, thus allowing it to diffuse into the local culture in a process that can be called renewable energy technology acculturation. This paper analyzes renewable energy technology acculturation using Dobrov's conceptualization of technology as hardware, software, and orgware; Bourdieu's categories of objectified, embodied, and institutionalized cultural capital; and Rogers' concept of diffusion of innovations. Using qualitative enquiries, this study combines literature research, field research, and in-depth interviews to understand the extent to which renewable energy technology diffuses into and is assimilated by remote communities. It uses a combination of concepts developed by Dobrov, Bourdieu, and Rogers that we call the KPDAC (knowledge, persuasion, decision, adoption, confirmation) model of acculturation. A case study of the acculturation of a photovoltaic-wind-diesel hybrid power system installed in the village of Oeledo in eastern Indonesia is used to illustrate the practical application of the KPDAC model. Results indicated that from a cultural perspective, despite long-term sustainability challenges, the hybrid power system has been successfully integrated into Oeledo village life. Combining the concepts of Dobrov, Bourdieu, and Rogers proved to be useful in understanding the requirements for successful renewable energy technology acculturation in the remote Indonesian community of Oeledo. This has relevance for the analysis and design of similar projects elsewhere in Indonesia and in other countries that have similar characteristics.

Interior Design Faculty Intentions to Adopt Distance Education

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess whether behavioral modeling (via CD-ROM demonstration) could affect a change in interior design educators' perceptions of distance education. The diffusion of innovations conceptual framework suggests that perceptions of an innovation's attributes will predict an individual's intent to adopt that innovation; using the diffusion of innovations framework suggest a manner to assess the acceptability and adoption of distance education by faculty members teaching in the arts. Little research has been conducted to assess distance education, or to better understand the limited participation in distance education efforts by faculty members in the arts (Abacus Associates, 2000). The sample for this study included 67 self-selected interior design faculty members from across the United States who had no previous experience with distance education. A Solomon four-group experimental design was used with a questionnaire that addressed the attributes (i.e., relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, complexify, and observability) of an innovation (i.e., distance education) and assessed intent to adopt that innovation. A 15–minute CD-ROM presentation demonstrating Web-based studio instruction served as the experimental treatment. Findings indicated that four components of this study—relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and intent to adopt—have significant impact on interior design educators' perceptions of distance education. Changes and strategies that may reduce educators' resistance to adopt distance education into interior design curricula are suggested.

Spreading information and developing trust in social networks to accelerate diffusion of innovations

Abstract: Background New food technologies developed by producers who want to spread their innovation require potential new adopters to receive information about the innovation as well as to develop trust about the appropriateness and quality of the new technology. Social networks are key for spreading information and for developing trust. In this essay, I will summarize sociological knowledge about how the structure of social networks can accelerate or inhibit innovation diffusion among consumers. Scope and approach Innovation adoption is mostly a multistage process in which potential adopters/consumers need to obtain information first. A second step towards adoption is developing appreciation for the advantages of the innovation. A third step is the development of trust that the new product or technology indeed brings the advantages that it promises. I will explain based on existing literature why and in what manner, different structural properties of social networks are crucial for the consumer side of the adoption process. Key findings and conclusions While for information diffusion predominantly the number of channels through which information can flow is important, and prevention of redundant information transfers helps to speed up information, the appreciation for the advantages of the innovation will require some redundancy and recurrent confirmation of the success of the innovation. To develop trust, even more confirmation is likely to be important and close social circles in which people repeatedly meet and know each other's acquaintances are known to be especially beneficial to create trust.