Patterns of Knowledge Flow: Cycles of Divergence and Convergence in Printers

Abstract

This paper considers technological trajectories as a series of problem-solving activities, manifesting the pattern of divergence-convergence knowledge flow. We propose that technological trajectories diverge when new knowledge is able to solve the problem of most concern. Relatedly, technological trajectories converge when existing knowledge becomes obsolescent in the face of new problems. To illustrate our ideas, we choose to study the technological evolution of the thermal inkjet print head, using key-route search and the patent assignee cross-citation network. The thermal inkjet print head experienced three cycles of divergence-convergence knowledge flow, each of which is characterized by the problem of most concern and referred solution. To enhance the rigor of our analysis, we also draw on archival data to examine in more detail the identified main paths as well as the assignee cross-citation network.