Title: Automobiles: a static technology, a ''wait-and-see'' industry?

Authors: Jean-Jacques Chanaron

Addresses: CNRS, LE SCEY, 38430 Moirans, France

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.

Keywords: technology; innovation; automobile; inertia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1998.002686

International Journal of Technology Management, 1998 Vol.16 No.7, pp.595-630

Published online: 04 Jul 2003 *

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