defining the why and when of certain technological developments instead of others and of a certain timing instead of oth
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Technological paradigms and technological trajectories A suggested interpretation of the determinants and directions of technical change GIOVANNI DOSI * Science Policy Reseaech Unit, University of Sussex, Brighton U.K.
The procedures and the nature of "technologies" are suggested to be broadly s~milar to those which characterize "science". In particular, there appear to be "technological paradig~as" (or research p,rogrammes) performing a similar role to "sci~:~ntific paradigms" (or research programmes). The n.udel tries to account for both continuous changes and discontinuities m technological i:anovation. Continuous changes are often related to progress along a technological trajectory defined by a technological paradigm, wMle discontinuities are associated with the emergence
