Evolutionary Epigenetic Economics: How to Better Understand the Trends of Big Internet Groups

Abstract

The aim of this article is to contribute to literature on evolutionary economics with new findings from biogenetics that are becoming increasingly important. Our study centres on epigenetics, showing the new analytical frameworks that could be explored as a result of including it in evolutionary thought. We have found 'biological analogy' very useful in approaching this task. In particular, we will focus on 'epigenetics,' discussing the new analytic frameworks that may open as a result of its incorporation in evolutionary economic thinking. This new approach is applied to studying the evolution of big Internet industry groups such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon and Samsung. With it we shed light on the dynamics of business groups, which we approach as 'business ecosystems,' analysing some of the results of these dynamics.Abnormalities, malfunctions or obstacles to innovation, and/or blockage to developing competition at certain levels (i.e. intellectual property rights, abuse of monopoly power, etc.) may arise as a result of the influence of epigenetic factors. Patent lawsuits for infringements and violations are quite common, for example in the field of mobile telephony, which clearly shows the fierce competition between business groups. Acquisition of patent portfolios would tend to increase the buyers’ market power.Essential patents licensing is at the core of legal disputes between the business groups. We will study what these patents are and the standards oversight in this field.