Understanding Evolution in Technology Ecosystems

• Main Authors: Adomavicius, Gediminas, Bockstedt, Jesse, Gupta, Alok, Kauffman, Robert J.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2008
• Subjects: Dynamic natures; Ecosystem modeling; Industry analysts; Market opportunities; Strategic decisions; Technological changes; Technological evolution; Computer Sciences; Management Information Systems
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/2127; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sis_research/article/3127/viewcontent/p117_adomavicius.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The current environment of information technology can be a complex place for analysts and firms to navigate, especially when making decisions about new product development, technology investment, and technology planning. Many industry analysts recognize that it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately predict future technological advances. However, successful firms need to understand the nature of technological change and evolution in order to accurately forecast and take advantage of investment and market opportunities. For example, although RFID has been in the news for the past decade as the potential distribution and retail "killer technology", uncertainties about its future technical capabilities, economics, standards, and potential social issues make it a wildcard for many potential adopting firms.a Despite the need to make sense of the complexities of the technology landscape, there is a lack of useful analytical tools. IT industry experts recognize this problem.