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Technological Determinism and Modularity: Lessons from a Comparison between Aircraft and Auto Industries in Europe

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  • Vincent Frigant
  • Damien Talbot

Abstract

Initial studies of modular manufacturing processes have shown that this dominant design required a fundamentally novel organisational structure of the industries. The underlying hypothesis of technological determinism merits a deeper exploration. The first part of the present paper aims at presenting the logic of this argument while making a distinction between the technological and organisational aspects of modularity. Based on this we then attempt a study of the manner in which the transition to modularity takes place in the aircraft and automobile industries. Our main conclusion is that while it may be possible to posit a convergence between these two industries, the paths followed are still quite clearly opposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincent Frigant & Damien Talbot, 2005. "Technological Determinism and Modularity: Lessons from a Comparison between Aircraft and Auto Industries in Europe," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(3), pages 337-355.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:12:y:2005:i:3:p:337-355
    DOI: 10.1080/13662710500195934
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    References listed on IDEAS

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