Abstract

Citation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Winkel, B. (2022). 1-022-SpreadOfTechnologies-ModelingScenario. SIMIODE, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/Z18P-FZ63

  BibTex | EndNote

Article Context

Description

Recent work on diffusion has focused on trying to explain the prevalence of the S-shaped diffusion curve - the epidemic model. The epidemic model considers information to be the key to diffusion.

As more people adopt the technology, information of it spreads quickly, leading to a period of rapid adoption. The epidemic model models technology as a ``contagious disease.''

Adoption occurs as potential adopters learn about the new technology.

Adoption is slow at first, as few people (or firms) know about the technology.

The more people ``infected'' (that is, those that have adopted), the more likely others will also be ``infected.'' Thus, as information spreads, a period of rapid adoption follows.