Comparative international diffusion: Patterns, determinants and policies

Using data derived from a number of stand alone surveys in different countries, this paper explores international differences in the paths of diffusion of new manufacturing technologies. It is observed that diffusion paths are technology specific and that no one country either in Europe or North America can be said to exhibit faster, earlier or more extensive diffusion for all technologies than other countries. Using results in the public domain it is also argued that the main driving forces behind diffusion patterns are those generally classified as epidemic and rank effects. Building upon this, the rationale for policy intervention in the diffusion process is discussed and the effectiveness of different policy instruments considered.