THE PROCESS OF TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION - MULTITECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS AS THE DRIVING-FORCE

Technological innovations are the substance of technology and the driv ers of its evolution. This process was studied by analyzing the US pat ent data base, getting information on types of innovation and on their trends. It was found that the evolution of a technology depends upon its annexing multitechnology innovations. Ascending technologies utili ze wide-range innovations, while mature technologies utilize narrow-ra nge innovations. The findings are summed up in a model that shows the life cycle of a technology, from emergence to maturity. The model can be applied at a laboratory level, at a firm strategy level, as well as at the national level. Some examples are presented to illustrate appl ications.