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Cited by 261Innovation Diffusion and ForecastingInnovation and Knowledge ManagementInformation Systems Theories and Implementation

The Role of Networks In the Diffusion of Technological Innovation*

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Robertson, Maxine, Swan, Jacky, Newell, Sue·1996·Journal of Management Studies
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-6486.1996.tb00805.x
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Abstract

This research considers the diffusion of computer‐aided production management (CAPM) technology in the UK manufacturing sector during the mid to late 1980s, focusing on the role of inter‐organizational networks in the diffusion process. Research on innovation diffusion has tended to adopt a ‘pro‐innovation bias’ such that adoption of prescribed best practice technologies is always considered to be the best policy. In the UK, one particular form of CAPM (MRP/MRPII) has been heavily promoted by technology suppliers as best practice. However, the notion of ‘best practice’ de‐emphasizes the importance of decisions about technology design when users attempt to develop firm‐specific solutions. Crucial to these decisions are the inter‐organizational networks through which potential adopters learn about relevant technologies. Using three case companies, where the introduction of CAPM occurred at approximately the same time, decisions regarding adoption, design and subsequent implementation, are explored in order to establish the influence of inter‐organizational networks on the diffusion and subsequent appropriation of CAPM technologies. These cases revealed that potential adopters engaged in a range of inter‐organizational networks through which they learned about new technologies. However, the knowledge diffused through many of these networks was shaped by technology suppliers who were promoting similar ideas about best practice. Thus, while involvement in inter‐organizational netw…

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  • At an organisational level, the involvement of managers and lower level employees in professional, industry and cross-industry networks has been found to promote the diffusion of innovations.

    “At an organisational level, the involvement of managers and lower level employees in professional, industry and cross-industry networks has been found to promote the diffusion of innovations (Robertson et al, 1996, Erickson andJacoby, 2003).”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Robertson et al, 1996

  • Third parties have a dual role in promoting innovation: they act as neutral knowledge brokers and as conduits for the development of informal relationships that are the basis for network relationships, particularly between small firms.

    “Third parties have a dual role in promoting innovation.They ideally act as neutral knowledge brokers (though see Robertson et al, 1996) but also act as important conduits for the development of informal relationships which are the basis for the development of network relationships particularly between small firms.”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Robertson et al, 1996

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Authors
Robertson, M., Swan, J., & Newell, S.
Affiliations
University of Warwick (GB)
Corresponding author
Robertson, Maxine
Venue
Journal of Management Studies
Publisher
Wiley
Published
1996-05
Volume
33
Issue
3
Pages
333-359
ISSN
  • 0022-2380 (ISSN-L)
  • 1467-6486
DOI
10.1111/j.1467-6486.1996.tb00805.x
OpenAlex
W2112031352
Cited by
261
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 14
FWCI
7.37
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Management Studies (publishedVersion)
  • University of Warwick (cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Innovation and Knowledge Management
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Information Systems Theories and Implementation
Keywords
diffusion of innovations, interorganizational networks, computer-aided production management, MRP, MRP II, technology adoption, best practices, technology providers, knowledge diffusion, technology appropriation, manufacturing companies

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