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Challenging incommensurability – What we can learn from Ludwik Fleck for the analysis of complex technical systems

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Author Info
Alexander Peine ()
Abstract

This paper explores the work of Ludwik Fleck and its applicability for the analysis of innovation in complex technical systems. The objectives of the paper are twofold. First, it strives to bring Ludwik Fleck back on the map of technology analysis. For this purpose, it develops a Fleckian perspective on technological change and innovation that augments the well-known concept of technological paradigms with insights about thought styles and collectives. Secondly, the paper shows that this perspective provides important cues to understand the interactions of different industrial sectors in innovation – a common yet under-researched occurrence in innovation of complex technical systems.

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File URL: http://www.geo.uu.nl/isu/pdf/isu0821.pdf
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Utrecht University, Department of Innovation Studies in its series Innovation Studies Utrecht (ISU) working paper series with number 08-21.

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Date of creation: Oct 2008
Date of revision: Oct 2008
Handle: RePEc:uis:wpaper:0821

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Keywords: complex systems; Fleck; telecare;

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References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
  1. Sahal, Devendra, 1985. "Technological guideposts and innovation avenues," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 14(2), pages 61-82, April. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  2. Fleck, James, 1994. "Learning by trying: the implementation of configurational technology," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 23(6), pages 637-652, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  3. Peine, Alexander, 2008. "Technological paradigms and complex technical systems--The case of Smart Homes," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 508-529, April. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  4. Nightingale, Paul, 1998. "A cognitive model of innovation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 27(7), pages 689-709, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  5. Andrea Prencipe & Stefano Brusoni, 2005. "Making Design Rules: A Multi-Domain Perspective," SPRU Electronic Working Paper Series 136, University of Sussex, SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research. [Downloadable!]
  6. Kaplan, Sarah & Tripsas, Mary, 2008. "Thinking about technology: Applying a cognitive lens to technical change," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(5), pages 790-805, June. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  7. Nelson, Richard R. & Winter, Sidney G., 1993. "In search of useful theory of innovation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 108-108, April. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  8. Nicholas Dew, 2006. "Incommensurate technological paradigms? Quarreling in the RFID industry," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press, vol. 15(5), pages 785-810, October.
  9. Suarez, Fernando F., 2004. "Battles for technological dominance: an integrative framework," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 271-286, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  10. Ufuah, Allan N & Utterback, James M, 1997. "Responding to Structural Industry Changes: A Technological Evolution Perspective," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press, vol. 6(1), pages 183-202.
  11. Saviotti, P. P., 1988. "Information, variety and entropy in technoeconomic development," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 89-103, April. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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