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Evolutionary chimeras: a Woesian perspective of radical innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppe Carignani
  • Gino Cattani
  • Giusi Zaina

Abstract

This article proposes a novel perspective of technological change based on the ‘Woesian’ model of cell evolution to study technological change and, in particular, the origins of radical innovation. The model identifies horizontal gene transfer (HGT) as a critical force that drives evolution and complements the Darwinian theory of vertical inheritance. Building on this model, we highlight the key role of the horizontal transfer of functional modules in generating radical innovation as well as strengthening the analogy between biological and technological evolution. We use the turbojet revolution to illustrate the main features of the model and elucidate the conditions under which horizontal transfer is a crucial evolutionary force leading to radical innovation. We then elaborate on the implications of the model for how firms should search for radical innovation, as well as emphasize the importance of a firm’s replicative-integrative capability—that is, the ability to ‘replicate with modifications’ existing functional modules and integrate them into a novel architecture—in shaping the generation of radical innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Carignani & Gino Cattani & Giusi Zaina, 2019. "Evolutionary chimeras: a Woesian perspective of radical innovation," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 28(3), pages 511-528.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:indcch:v:28:y:2019:i:3:p:511-528.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/icc/dty077
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Geiger, Susi & Kjellberg, Hans, 2021. "Market mash ups: The process of combinatorial market innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 445-457.
    2. Beltagui, Ahmad & Rosli, Ainurul & Candi, Marina, 2020. "Exaptation in a digital innovation ecosystem: The disruptive impacts of 3D printing," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    3. Mario Daniele Amore & Mariano Mastrogiorgio, 2022. "Technological Entry, Redeployability, and Firm Value," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(7), pages 1688-1722, November.
    4. Hoyoon Lee & Dawoon Jeong & Jeong-Dong Lee, 2023. "Drivers of institutional evolution: phylogenetic inertia and ecological pressure," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 279-308, April.
    5. Galvin, Peter & Burton, Nicholas & Nyuur, Richard, 2020. "Leveraging inter-industry spillovers through DIY laboratories: Entrepreneurship and innovation in the global bicycle industry," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    6. Omezzine, Fakher & Bodas Freitas, Isabel Maria, 2022. "New market creation through exaptation: The role of the founding team's prior professional experience," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(5).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B15 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • L93 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Air Transportation
    • L98 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Government Policy
    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General

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