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.

Adoption versus use diffusion of iDTV in flanders - personalized television content as a tool to cross the chasm?

Abstract: Digital television was introduced to the Belgian market in 2005, which is fairly late compared to other European countries. By 2010, in Flanders the 50p penetration threshold of digital television households was surpassed. Considering previous research into the adoption of digital television in Belgium, it can be stated that the “majority segments” have embraced iDTV. However, research suggests that this has not necessarily induced a change in their viewing habits and that interactive applications such as video on demand, time-shifted viewing, voting, email, etc., have remained “underused.” Therefore, the user adoption rate of 50p for iDTV does not automatically imply a 50p use diffusion rate of interactive services. Within the iDTV industry, an important challenge will be to convince the remaining 50p of analog viewers to make the switch to digital television. A review of the literature on the adoption and diffusion processes of technologies shows that these later adopters (laggards and late majority) base their decision on the behavior of peers who have already acquired the technology. As they are the least innovative market segment, they will require some compelling arguments to adopt iDTV. These selling arguments could be related to the added value of interactive services which are currently not being used to their full potential by iDTV subscribers. One of the ideas that is currently explored is personalized television content, recommended to television viewers based on their viewing behavior. This article discusses three important research questions based on quantitative empirical data. Firstly, what is the current state-of-the-art in Flanders regarding the adoption and use diffusion of digital television in Flandersq Secondly, what is the interest in a personalization and recommendation tool for iDTV in Flandersq Thirdly, how would an introduction of this tool affect the adoption and use diffusion of iDTV in Flandersq Based on the results presented in this article, it seems that the implementation of a personalization and recommendation tool might stimulate the adoption as well as the use diffusion of digital TV in Flanders.

Acceptance of Internet of Things applications in office buildings

Abstract: In order to achieve savings on energy consumption within Dutch governmental office buildings, several technical innovations are tested and implemented in the building portfolio of the Central Government Real Estate Agency (Rijksvastgoedbedrijf). One of these innovations is the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) applications that enhance reductions on energy consumption through the use of tailormade adjustments for employees regarding climate, lighting and wayfinding. Although these innovations have proven to be technical feasible, uncertainties remain with regard to their reduction potential and their acceptance by the end-users. A longitudinal research project currently conducted by the TU Delft and The Green Village focusses on this first uncertainty, while this thesis will cover the second uncertainty: the end-user acceptance of IoT applications in office buildings. Recent history has shown us that user-acceptance is a critical factor for the adoption and large scale diffusion of innovations. For instance, similar to the failed introduction of the smart-energy meters in Dutch dwellings, privacy concerns could hamper the acceptance of these innovations and result in high sunk-costs. Therefore, this research will study the factors that affect the acceptance of IoT applications in office buildings and combines the theory of Responsible Innovation and an adjusted model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). In this research several qualitative and quantitative measurements are conducted among the 494 users of the living lab and resulted in support for the claim for a significant relation between the acceptance of the IoT applications and the factors Performance Expectancy and General Privacy. After a review by a user-group of the living lab, several recommendations are made regarding the redesign of the current technology-system and implementation-policy in order to increase the acceptation of the IoT applications. The most important recommendations are: 1. All applications should have an opt-in / opt-out option. Users should be able to switch the applications off and work in ‘privacy modus’. 2. The data that is collected with the applications should not be stored for a long period and should only be used for the purpose of the applications. 3. A clear disclaimer and user policy should be included during the launch of the applications. 4. Future-users should be actively involved before, during and after the launch of the applications. The scientific relevancy of this research can be found in the better understanding of the factors that enhance or hamper the acceptance of certain IoT applications in office buildings and in the fact that support is found for the integration of the research models of Responsible Innovation and Technology Acceptance. Practically the findings of this research could support the Central Government Real Estate Agency or other organisations that want to invest in IoT applications in office buildings, to enhance the acceptance of these IoT applications and reduce the risk for sunk-costs.

Influence of multiparty IPD contracts on construction innovation

Abstract: Construction is often cited for challenges in adopting new innovations, slow diffusion of innovations through the industry, and significant barriers to adoption for firms. The reasons for the challenges are often tied to the fragmented nature of the industry, with vertical, horizontal and longitudinal fragmentation creating boundaries to sharing information or collaboration to enable innovative solutions. These boundaries that divide firms by area of expertise, timing of involvement, and alignment with project goals offer little incentive for seeking innovative solutions, or may even penalize firms that pursue innovative solutions. The rise of multiparty contractual agreements have enabled discussion regarding means of increasing collaboration, decreasing the negative effects associated with fragmentation, and ultimately increasing the potential for innovation in the delivery of construction projects. This paper seeks to analyze the barriers associated with innovation in the construction industry and explore the opportunities for improving the adoption and diffusion of innovation through the use of multiparty Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contracts. Using the lens of innovative capacity, defined as the abilities and willingness of firms to engage in inter-organizational, collaborative and distributed novel activities, project outcomes will be explored for both innovation and diffusion. In addition, insights from a case study IPD project will be provided based upon a lessons learned workshop for a first time IPD owner with their signatory team members, facilitated by an IPD expert.

Enhancing E/M-Government Synergy in Kenya: Citizens’ Perspectives on the Driving Factors for M-Government Diffusion

Abstract: This research investigated the driving factors of mobile government diffusion as antecedents that expand the specificity and explanatory power of traditional technology adoption models in mobile contexts. A robust conceptual model for evaluating the adoption of electronic and mobile government services is proposed. Focusing on the first component of the model, namely, the drivers of m-government diffusion, five innovation attributes that influence the decision to adopt m-government were examined. Following a qualitative approach based on grounded theory, 91 mobile phone users were interviewed using a questionnaire. Five attributes of diffusion of innovation were investigated: relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, and observability. The qualitative data obtained was coded and analyzed for theme frequency distribution. The driving factors that emerged from the themes were: accessibility, efficiency, connectivity and time-saving (dominant factors); convenience, user-friendly, features and service provider (moderate factors), and cost and security (minor factors). Future research should consider how the key driving factors for m-government diffusion can be leveraged to facilitate greater adoption of and synergy between e- and m-government. Empirical validation of the conceptual model is recommended to confirm its appropriateness in enhancing the adoption of electronic and mobile government services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Diffusion of Software Engineering Methods

Abstract: The success of software engineering as a discipline depends not only on our ability to come up with creative and innovation methods for addressing the problems of software development, but, also on our ability to effectively diffuse these innovations into practice. In order to succeed well in the latter role, we need to have a good understanding of the process of diffusing innovations in general, and how they apply in the context of diffusion of software engineering methods. This paper attempts to provide that understanding using Rogers’ framework for diffusion of innovations.