LEARNING BY TRYING - THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONFIGURATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

In this paper some issues concerning the nature of technological devel opment are examined, with particular refernce to a case study of the i mplementation of Computer Aided Production Management (CAPM). CAPM is an example of a configurational technology, built up to meet specific organizational requirements. It is argued that there is scope in the d evelopment of configurations for significant innovation to take place during implementation itself, through a distinctive form of learning b y 'struggling to get it to work', or 'learning by trying'. Some policy implications are outlined in conclusion: the need to recognize the cr eative opportunities available in this type of development, and the ne ed to facilitate industrial sector-based learning proceses.