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The importance of access to knowledge for technological progress in the Industrial Revolution

Author

Listed:
  • Erik Hornung

    (University of Cologne)

  • Julius Koschnick

    (London School of Economics)

  • Francesco Cinnirella

    (University of Bergamo)

Abstract

Sustained technological progress was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. This column argues that access to knowledge was crucial for innovation and technological diffusion during this period. Inventors and entrepreneurs needed access to useful knowledge to generate new ideas and continue innovating. Such access was provided by the ‘economic societies’ – associations of individuals interested in improving the local economy. These societies became drivers of knowledge diffusion and innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Hornung & Julius Koschnick & Francesco Cinnirella, 2022. "The importance of access to knowledge for technological progress in the Industrial Revolution," ECONtribute Policy Brief Series 041, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkpbs:041
    as

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    File URL: https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkpbs/ECONtribute_PB_041_2022.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2022
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francesco Cinnirella & Erik Hornung & Julius Koschnick, 2025. "Flow of Ideas: Economic Societies and the Rise of Useful Knowledge," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 135(669), pages 1496-1535.
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    3. Krugman, Paul, 1991. "Increasing Returns and Economic Geography," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 99(3), pages 483-499, June.
    4. Joel Mokyr, 2016. "A Culture of Growth: The Origins of the Modern Economy," Economics Books, Princeton University Press, edition 1, number 10835.
    5. Mokyr, Joel, 2005. "The Intellectual Origins of Modern Economic Growth," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(2), pages 285-351, June.
    6. Ufuk Akcigit & Santiago Caicedo & Ernest Miguelez & Stefanie Stantcheva & Valerio Sterzi, 2018. "Dancing with the Stars: Innovation Through Interactions," NBER Working Papers 24466, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    7. Petra Moser, 2012. "Innovation without Patents: Evidence from World's Fairs," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 55(1), pages 43-74.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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