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System innovation through stepwise reconfiguration: The case of technological transitions in Dutch greenhouse horticulture (1930-1980)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 21:23 authored by Erik Berkers, Frank W Geels
Although transitions are usually perceived as technological substitution processes, the article shows that stepwise reconfiguration is more likely for supplier-dominated sectors. In this transition pattern, novelties are initially adopted as 'modular innovation' into existing systems and subsequently reconfigure the basic architecture through new combinations of old and new elements. Incumbent actors survive these transitions through interactions with suppliers of knowledge and innovations. Using Pavitt's innovation typology, we selected a case study from his supplier-dominated category: greenhouse farming. The article makes a techno-economic analysis of the overall transition pattern in Dutch greenhouse horticulture (1930-1980) and a socio-institutional analysis of the knowledge flows and networks. 'Innovation cascades' are identified as a particularly important mechanism in reconfiguration transitions.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Technology Analysis and Strategic Management

ISSN

0953-7325

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

3

Volume

23

Page range

227-247

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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