The Social (de)Construction of Technology and the (dys)Functions of Innovation Systems

Abstract

The functions of innovation systems model provides a useful tool with which to analyze the dynamics of an innovation system, a system which has often only been studied in its static state. The framework presented in this paper combines the functions of innovation systems approach with the social construction of technology (SCOT) literature to emphasize the social dimension of the technology substitution process. The framework outlines the process by which changes in the social construction of both the incumbent and/or the challenger can lead to functions or “dysfunctions” of their respective technological systems. Equal emphasis is placed on the incumbent technology and the challenger technology, providing a framework that focuses on both sides of the substitution equation. The framework highlights that the social construction of technology is an ongoing process that is occurring throughout the innovation process, even though path dependencies may develop due to feedback cycles between the functions of innovation systems