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Cold numbers: Superconducting supercomputers and presumptive anomaly

Author

Listed:
  • Nicola De Liso
  • Giovanni Filatrella
  • Dimitri Gagliardi
  • Claudia Napoli

Abstract

In February 2014 Time magazine announced to the world that the first quantum computer had been put in use. One key component of this computer is the “Josephson-junction,” a superconducting device, based on completely different scientific and technological principles with respect to semiconductors. The origin of superconductors dates back to the 1960s, to a large-scale 20-year long IBM project aimed at building ultrafast computers. We present a detailed study of the relationship between Science and Technology making use of the theoretical tools of presumptive anomaly and technological paradigms: superconductors were developed while the semiconductors revolution was in full swing. We adopt a historiographical approach—using a snowballing technique to sift through the relevant literature from various epistemological domains and technical publications—to extract theoretically robust insights from a narrative which concerns great scientific advancements, technological leaps forward and business-driven innovation. The study we present shows how technological advancements, business dynamics, and policy intertwine.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola De Liso & Giovanni Filatrella & Dimitri Gagliardi & Claudia Napoli, 2020. "Cold numbers: Superconducting supercomputers and presumptive anomaly," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 29(2), pages 485-505.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:indcch:v:29:y:2020:i:2:p:485-505.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/icc/dtz051
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L63 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Microelectronics; Computers; Communications Equipment

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