Analysing the theoretical roots of technology emergence: an evolutionary perspective

There has been much research concerning emergence in technology, ever since knowledge has been accepted as a prime engine of economic growth. However, even though there are a growing number of publications, the concept remains ambiguous. In this study, we aim to trace emergence discussions to find t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientometrics 2019-04, Vol.119 (1), p.97-118
Main Authors: Burmaoglu, Serhat, Sartenaer, Olivier, Porter, Alan, Li, Munan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bibliometrics
Computer Science
Economic development
Economic growth
Emergence
Information Storage and Retrieval
Library Science
Technology
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Summary:There has been much research concerning emergence in technology, ever since knowledge has been accepted as a prime engine of economic growth. However, even though there are a growing number of publications, the concept remains ambiguous. In this study, we aim to trace emergence discussions to find the evolution of related concepts, in order to explore usage in the technological context. To achieve this, the philosophy of science, complexity, and economic literatures are reviewed in accordance with the emergence concept qualitatively. Then, a bibliometrics study is performed to strengthen the qualitative argument and find evidence of emergence in technology studies for comparison. Based on the findings, we can assert that the definition of technology emergence needs to be revised with consideration of its theoretical foundations. Moreover, after discussion, research questions are posed for future research.
ISSN:0138-9130
1588-2861
DOI:10.1007/s11192-019-03033-y