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From toys to tools: The co-evolution of technological and entrepreneurial developments in the drone industry

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  • Giones, Ferran
  • Brem, Alexander

Abstract

There is undoubtedly hype around drones and their applications for private and professional users. Based on a brief overview of the development of the drone industry in recent years, this article examines the co-evolution of drone technology and the entrepreneurial activity linked to it. Our results highlight the industry emergence described as concept validation, including product as well as market growth with different phases of technological meaning change. We argue that further steps are needed to develop drones from nice toys to professional tools—from photography and filming applications to inspection services and large cargo logistics. For innovation managers and entrepreneurs, we describe what triggers the emergence of a technology and attracts the needed actors to unleash its transformative potential. Our research is based on industry reports, news, and market studies as well as interviews with four industry actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Giones, Ferran & Brem, Alexander, 2017. "From toys to tools: The co-evolution of technological and entrepreneurial developments in the drone industry," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 60(6), pages 875-884.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:60:y:2017:i:6:p:875-884
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2017.08.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dedehayir, Ozgur & Steinert, Martin, 2016. "The hype cycle model: A review and future directions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 28-41.
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    Cited by:

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    8. Merkert, Rico & Bushell, James, 2020. "Managing the drone revolution: A systematic literature review into the current use of airborne drones and future strategic directions for their effective control," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
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    10. Thierry Rayna & Ludmila Striukova, 2021. "Assessing the effect of 3D printing technologies on entrepreneurship [Évaluer l'effet des technologies d'impression 3D sur l'entrepreneuriat]," Post-Print hal-04096075, HAL.
    11. Fernanda Alves de Araújo & João Gilberto Mendes dos Reis & Marcia Terra da Silva & Emel Aktas, 2022. "A Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Model to Evaluate Logistics Service Expectations and Delivery Methods in Last-Mile Delivery in Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.
    12. Decker, Christopher & Chiambaretto, Paul, 2022. "Economic policy choices and trade-offs for Unmanned aircraft systems Traffic Management (UTM): Insights from Europe and the United States," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 40-58.
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    14. Ayamga, Matthew & Akaba, Selorm & Nyaaba, Albert Apotele, 2021. "Multifaceted applicability of drones: A review," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).

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