Description
Scitus Academics LLC The Dynamics of Technology Creation and Diffusion of Skills and Knowledge by Baldric Sangster
Technology dynamics is broad and relatively new scientific field that has been
developed in the framework of the post-war science and technology studies field. It
studies the process of technological change. Under the field of Technology
Dynamics the process of technological change is explained by taking into account
influences from "internal factors" as well as from "external factors". Internal factors
relate technological change to unsolved technical problems and the established
modes of solving technological problems and external factors relate it to various
(changing) characteristics of the social environment, in which a particular
technology is embedded.Technology is taking on an increasingly vital and
determining role in society, and can provide conflicting results: wealth on the one
hand, but also unemployment, environmental imbalances and other social
problems on the other. Manufacturing techniques and production organization are
chosen in every country based mainly on the specific needs of the companies,
while the real needs of each population are often quite different. Already, in order to
prevent all forms of technology from becoming increasingly "invasive", towards
both the natural supply of resources and the specific - though highly differentiated
- needs of humanity, technological paths must be identified and followed which are
capable of making the various needs compatible, from the standpoint of sustainable
development, the conservation and increase in value of natural resources, and the
quality of development.
The Dynamics of Technology: Creation and Diffusion of Skills and Knowledge
focuses at the dynamics of technological change. It specifically asks whether
technological change occurs in leaps and bounds, or whether it takes place
gradually and continuously. It sets up an analogy between technological progress
and biological evolution, and tries to apply the concept of punctuated equilibrium
to the analysis of technology. It observes that one concept that has been employed
in the economics of growth is the steady state, a form of growth which is itself
constant and predictable, and thus can be regarded as a dynamic equivalent to the
concept of equilibrium. General framework is proposed to relate strategic options
and choices to the evolution of technologies, organizations and industry positions
following a technological discontinuity. This Book will be of valuable for a general
reader to understand the inter-relationship between science, technology and
society and particularly the contribution made by engineers towards technology
development. It easily explains the underlying dynamics that affect all
undertakings in the social sector.