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How Do New Technologies Diffuse?

Author

Listed:
  • Carsten Fink
  • Maria de las Mercedes Menéndez
  • Julio Raffo

Abstract

Technology diffusion is central to economic development. This paper examines diffusion patterns for 31 technologies for 139 countries over two centuries, extending existing databases to include recent digital technologies and renewable energy technologies. Using cross-country panel regressions, we find that while adoption lags have declined from 50 years (pre-1950) to 15 years (post-2000), adoption intensity in developing economies remains at 53% of advanced economy levels. We document diverging intensity for older technologies but emerging convergence for post-2000 technologies, suggesting digital innovations may reduce the technology gap. These findings inform policies aimed at accelerating technology diffusion to developing economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Carsten Fink & Maria de las Mercedes Menéndez & Julio Raffo, 2026. "How Do New Technologies Diffuse?," WIPO Economic Research Working Papers 91, World Intellectual Property Organization - Economics and Statistics Division.
    • Handle: RePEc:wip:wpaper:91
    as

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    File URL: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo-pub-econstat-wp-91-en-how-do-new-technologies-diffuse.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marc Fusaro, 2009. "The rank, stock, order and epidemic effects of technology adoption: an empirical study of bounce protection programs," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 24-42, February.
    2. Comin, Diego & Mestieri, Martí, 2014. "Technology Diffusion: Measurement, Causes, and Consequences," Handbook of Economic Growth, in: Philippe Aghion & Steven Durlauf (ed.), Handbook of Economic Growth, edition 1, volume 2, chapter 2, pages 565-622, Elsevier.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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