Dynamics of Technology

This volume intends to provide a methodological framework, capable of critically analyzing the multiple aspects related to technological dynamics, and to arrive - at times ex post, at times ex ante - at assessments regarding the economic results that can be achieved at all levels, with the innovation and diffusion of technologies in the manufacturing activities. For this purpose, this volume describes and critically evaluates conceptual and quantitative methods and models which seem capable of achieving this goal. This volume includes a number of distinctive features, the most important of which are the relationships between technological dynamics, knowledge, production systems and structures, quality, efficiency, natural resources, ecological systems and sustainable development. The approach used in organizing this volume has been an interdisciplinary one; methods for analysis typical of various disciplines were used with the aim at arriving at economic conclusions, assessments and generalizations. In short, it may be defined as techno-economic. Special emphasis is given to the criteria, guidelines and economic policy instruments that must be implemented in order to guide technological evolution in pursuit of the aims of sustainable development, within the framework of new economic targets and hierarchies of technologies and products. This volume is designed for use by economists, business executives, policy makers, as well as for designers and technicians who may find it useful to refer to this type of technical and economic approach. Such an approach is not strictly limited to business aspects, but designed to identify and develop appropriate technological pathways, which can be advantageous both to the companies adopting this approach and to the economy as a whole in such a way as to overcome the present negative contrasts.