The Process Of Technological Innovation

The process of technological innovation embraces that Sequence of activities by which technical knowledge is translated into a physical reality and becomes used on a scale having substantial societal impact. This definition the Process includes more than the act of invention; it includes initiation of the technical idea, acquisition of necessary knowledge, its transformation into usable hardware or procedure, its introduction into society, and its diffusion and adoption to the point where its impact is "significant."

Bright's stages (slightly modified here) are as follows:
Stage 1. The innovation begins in one or both of two ways. One is by suggestion and/or discovery; that is, from the speculations and/or discoveries of scientists, or possibly craftsmen* in pursuing their activities. Another way is by the perception of an environmental or market need or opportunity. Many commercially successful innovations arise, at least partially, from such perceptions and this important factor will be discussed in greater detail later.

Stage 2. This is the proposed theory or design concept; that is, the synthesizing of existing knowledge and techniques to provide the theoretical basis for the technical concept. This synthesis usually occurs after considerable trial and error.

Stage 3. This is verification of the theory or design concept followed by stage 4.

Stage 4. This is the laboratory demonstration of the applicability of the concept; that is, the development of the "breadboard" model.

Stage 5. Alternative versions of the concept are evaluated and developed to be defined as the full-scale approach. At this stage, a prototype is developed and subjected to field trials. Alternatively, a pilot production plant produces small quantities of the new product which may be submitted to test markets or clinical trials. It is followed by stage 6.

Stage 6. This is the commercial introduction or initial operational use of the innovation and is followed by stage 7.

Stage 7. This is the widespread adoption of the innovation when its scale and scope of usage are sufficient to generate substantial cash flows in the producing firms and significant societal impacts. This stage is succeeded by stage 8.

Stage 8. This is proliferation, when either the generic product (such as radar equipment to detect speeding motorists) or the
*Throughout this text, the masculine gender will be used to indicate both the feminine and masculine gender, unless the context indicates otherwise. Generic technology (such as radio microwave technology in
cooking ovens) is adapted for use in newly defined markets.

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