Technology and culture: The dissemination and the potential 'lock-in' of new technologies

How do technological innovations change the patterns of their cultural diff usion in socio-economic networks? Cellular automata enable us to show Arthu r's (1988) model of a potential 'lock-in' of a new technology in terms of d ominant colours on the screen. The 'lock-in' effects can be combined with l ocal learning, network effects, and more complex dynamics. Recursive and in teraction terms can thus be declared separately in the construction of a si mple, but non-linear model of technological development and innovation. Thi s enables us to specify conditions for a 'break-out' or a 'deadlock' betwee n competing technologies. Using Axelrod's (1997) simulation model of 'cultu ral dissemination' as another network effect, it will be shown that the cul tural assimilation of a new technology can co-evolve with the 'lock-in' of a dominant dominant technology. This effect can be annihilated by the furth er development of the communication with an emerging dimension. Implication s for technology and innovation policies will be specified.