Models for Innovation Diffusion

Abstract

The diffusion of innovation has been defined traditionally as the process by which an innovation is communicated through a social system to its members. The 4 parts of the diffusion process are: 1) the innovation 2) channels of communication 3) time and 4) the social system. The diffusion process is one of the most widely studied of all social processes with research in all of the social sciences education geography and business. Such widespread interest results in frequent new findings but also has the disadvantage that researchers interested in the subject must keep up with and know the language of several disciplines. This manual provides an introduction that brings together findings from several disciplines and sets them out in a clear and consistent manner. Chapter 1 introduces basic concepts such as the S-shaped curve. Chapter 2 presents a fundamental deterministic diffusion model that allows for the review and integration of several widely cited models: the external-influence model the internal-influence model and the mixed-influence model. This chapter also emphasizes both the explicit and the implicit assumptions underlying the fundamental model. Chapter 3 discusses flexible diffusion models which are pattern-sensitive and can accommodate a variety of diffusion patterns. Chapter 4 includes selected advanced diffusion models such as dynamic models multi-innovation models space and time models and models that incorporate change agents. Chapter 5 discusses the applications of diffusion models in different contexts and disciplines. Chapter 6 includes recommendations for the technical development and use of diffusion models.