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The Babbage principle after evolutionary economics

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  • Hölzl, Werner
  • Reinstaller, Andreas

    (MERIT)

Abstract

In this paper we analyse the cognitive roots of the division of labour and relate it to the reduction of tacitness in the organisation and technology of a firm. We study the interaction between efforts of knowledge codification and problems of control in production from an evolutionary and complex systems perspective. By applying our framework to the emergence of white-collar work in the late 19th century and the modern knowledge economy we assert that property rights and limits to codification of knowledge are important forces shaping the process of organisational and technological change.

Suggested Citation

  • Hölzl, Werner & Reinstaller, Andreas, 2003. "The Babbage principle after evolutionary economics," Research Memorandum 016, Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:umamer:2003016
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    File URL: https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/rmpdf/2003/rm2003-016.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Werner Hölzl, 2005. "The evolutionary theory of the firm: Routines, complexity and change," Working Papers geewp46, Vienna University of Economics and Business Research Group: Growth and Employment in Europe: Sustainability and Competitiveness.
    2. Andreas Reinstaller, 2013. "An Evolutionary View on Social Innovation and the Process of Economic Change. WWWforEurope Working Paper No. 43," WIFO Studies, WIFO, number 47018, Juni.

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