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.

GENERATIVE DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS : AN ORGANIZATIONAL GENETICS APPROACH 1 Research-in-Progress

Abstract: Innovation in open ecosystems such as open source software is characterized by generative diffusion, the property of such ecosystems to evolve and change over time through the actions of uncoordinated participants. In this research, we contend that existing models of diffusion are not adequate to capture the multi-faceted nature of generative diffusion. To address this challenge, we use concepts from biological sciences to propose a multi-dimensional perspective to study generative diffusion, and construct three metrics: proliferation, evolvability, and temporality. Further, we use techniques inspired by genetics to measure these constructs in the context of open source software. In this research in progress manuscript, we demonstrate the applicability of our work with one example of an open source software project. This study makes an immense contribution not only to the study of open innovation, but also makes a methodological contribution by introducing the use of evolutionary genetics to study digital artifacts.

The Province of Diffusion of Innovations: Usable Social Theory for Information Systems Research

Abstract: Since the dawn of computerization the adoption of information technology has been an area of substantial research; but efforts to date have led to mixed outcomes. Many social theories have been used in these studies. Some include the theory of reasoned action, Ajzen & Fishbein (1975); diffusion of innovations, Rogers (1983); economics of technology, Arthur (1985), social cognitive theory, Bandura (1986) and technology acceptance model, Davis, Bogozzi & Warshaw (1989). However, investigations to date have been inconclusive about the ability of any of these theories to be conclusive about all the complexities found in the innovation decision-making process of adoption of information technology within an organization. In this study we further investigate one heretofore unapprised aspect of the theory of diffusion of innovations. We re-present Everett M. Rogers’ theoretical model and test his perceived characteristics of innovations (PCIs) along with others more recent contributions to this area at pre-diffusion stage to explore the theories fuller predictive ability for developing rates of acceptance of innovations. We select innovative licensing agreements developed by extreme social groups known as “Free Software or Open Source Software projects,” e.g. GPL, LGPL, BSD and MIT agreements. We conduct a survey of Linux Users Groups for perceptions with the same instrument used for testing other innovations by Moore & Benbasat (1991), Agarwal & Prasad (1997) and Van Slyke, Lou & Day (2002). We include in our instrument the validated intention to use (ITU) measure developed by Van Slyke, Lou & Day, (2000). We conduct a pilot study. We make adjustment to the instrument for clarity and presentation. Then we conduct a final survey. This research in process study identifies our theoretical foundation and the methodology of our research for re-presenting Rogers (1983), Moore & Benbasat (1991), Agarwal & Prasad (1997) and Van Slyke, Lou & Day enhanced model at pre-diffusion stage of innovations.

Understanding Diffusion of Innovations with Smallholder Coffee Farmers in Turrialba, Costa Rica

Abstract: The diffusion of innovations framework explains how innovations – ideas, behavior, practice, or technology perceived by the target audience as new – are spread and adopted within a population. Serving as the basis for agricultural extension services since its conception in the 1960’s, this theory has received criticism for its application in an international development context. By its nature, the framework drives focus and resource allocation to larger and “innovator” farmers, and therefore, away from smallholders, who are classified as the late adopter or laggard groups. It overlooks smallholder farmers yet they produce over 80% of the world’s agricultural supply. Extension, research and development interest need to better understand the process behind why and how smallholder farmers do or do not adopt an innovation, as this is where the highest impact can be made. Improving smallholders’ livelihoods improve rural areas and returns capacity to rural peoples and ways of life. With a better understanding of smallholder decision-making emerges efforts that are more efficiently and effectively tailored to diffuse innovative technology and practices to smallholders that can improve production, yield, quality, health, and others. This thesis investigates smallholder coffee farmers’ decision-making process when choosing to adopt an innovation. Smallholder coffee farmers are interviewed via semi-structured, open ended key informant interviews throughout the Turrialba coffee-growing region in Turrialba, Costa Rica, following a phenomenological research approach. Five key concepts relating to the diffusion of innovations theory were investigated. Themes emerged across the five key concept areas relating to how smallholders were influenced to make their decisions. The conclusions and recommendations drawn are specific to the participants in the Turrialba region.