Automobiles: a static technology, a "wait-and-see" industry?. (1st January 1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chanaron, Jean-Jacques
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology management. Volume 16:Number 7(1998)
• Page Start: 595
• Page End: 630
• Publication Date: 1998-01-01
• Subjects: technology -- innovation -- automobile -- inertia; Technology -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.4062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-5730

Abstract

This paper presents a global analysis of the key factors that could determine the scope of technological innovation in the automotive industry. It argues that most social, economic, industrial and technical features of this industry play against any radical innovation such as, for example, the electric vehicle. It emphasises the "blocking" role of heavy capital investment, massive employment, infrastructure, consumers' constraints, etc. It contributes to the theoretical debate on technological inertia.