Title: Product modularity, information structures and the diffusion of innovation

Authors: Peter Galvin

Addresses: School of Management, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia

Abstract: This paper explores how the product design information structure affects innovation types and levels of innovation diffusion. By taking a narrower definition of information structures than previous usages, the author seeks to clarify how specific dimensions of this type of knowledge link with a range of innovation variables in a modular product setting. It is proposed that the type of product innovation that occurs is determined by the rate of change in the information structure, and that the level of control exerted over the information structure determines the potential for the diffusion of the innovation.

Keywords: product modularity; information structure; innovation typology; innovation diffusion; product interface; product architecture; knowledge structure; bicycle industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1999.002728

International Journal of Technology Management, 1999 Vol.17 No.5, pp.467-479

Published online: 05 Jul 2003 *

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