THE DIFFUSION OF MULTIPLE PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this paper is to analyse the simultaneous diffusion o f multiple process technologies. A theoretical model of the diffusion of a new process technology is developed that takes account of the exi stence of another new technology that is being simultaneously diffused . The implications of the multi-technology environment for the diffusi on paths of the two technologies are explored. The model is then used to explore empirically the joint diffusion of numerically controlled m achine tools and coated carbide tools in the United Kingdom.