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Branching innovation, recombinant innovation, and endogenous technological transitions

Author

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  • Koen Frenken

    (Universiteit Utrecht / Utrecht University [Utrecht])

  • Luis R Izquierdo
  • Paolo Zeppini

    (GREDEG - Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie et Gestion - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur)

Abstract

We propose a model of technological transitions based on two different types of innovations. Branching innovations refer to technological improvements along a particular path, while recombinant innovations represent fusions of multiple paths. Recombinant innovations create "short-cuts" which reduce switching costs allowing agents to escape a technological lock-in. As a result, recombinant innovations speed up technological progress allowing transitions that are impossible with only branching innovations. Our model replicates some stylized facts of technological change, such as technological lockin, experimental failure, punctuated change and irreversibility. Furthermore, an extensive simulation experiment suggests that there is an optimal rate of innovation, which is strongly correlated with the number of recombination innovations. This underlines the pivotal role of technological variety as a seed for recombinant innovation leading to technological transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Koen Frenken & Luis R Izquierdo & Paolo Zeppini, 2012. "Branching innovation, recombinant innovation, and endogenous technological transitions," Post-Print hal-04575589, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04575589
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2012.06.001
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04575589v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frenken, Koen & Saviotti, Paolo P. & Trommetter, Michel, 1999. "Variety and niche creation in aircraft, helicopters, motorcycles and microcomputers," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 469-488, June.
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    7. Silverberg, Gerald & Verspagen, Bart, 2005. "A percolation model of innovation in complex technology spaces," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 29(1-2), pages 225-244, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liao, Wei & Gu, Jianping & Li, Kaijian, 2025. "Roles of related and unrelated external technologies in shaping regional breakthrough technological advantages," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    2. Amir Mirzadeh Phirouzabadi, 2025. "The hybrid dilemma -- do hybrid technologies play a transitionary or stationary role in transitions processes?," Papers 2504.06018, arXiv.org.
    3. Suelene Mascarini & Pierre-Alexandre Balland & Renato Garcia, 2025. "Skill capabilities behind the scenes. The role of occupational portfolio in regional industrial evolution," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2509, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Apr 2025.

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