P. Anderson and M. Tushman: Technological Discontinuities and Dominant Design: A Cyclical Model of Technological Change.

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Theory

The authors propose a cyclical model of technological change. In their model, A technological discontinuity occurs followed by an era of ferment which is characterized by design competition and substitution. Next, a dominant design emerges, and an era of incremental change follows. This era is characterized by elaboration of dominant design.

Hypothesis

1. The mean number of new designs introduced during the era of ferment is greater than during the era of incremental change.
2. The era of ferment following a competence destroying discontinuity is longer than the era of ferment following a competence enhancing discontinuity.