The Dynamics of Technology: A Methodological Framework for Techno-Economic Analyses / Edition 1

by G. Barbiroli

Overview

Technology is taking on an increasingly central and determining role in society, and can provide contradictory results: wealth on the one hand, but also unemployment, environmental imbalances and other social problems on the other. Manufacturing techniques and production organization are chosen in every country based mainly on the specific needs of the companies, while the real needs of each population are often quite different. Already, in order to prevent all forms of technology from becoming increasingly "invasive", towards both the natural supply of resources and the specific - though highly differentiated - needs of humanity, technological paths must be identified and followed which are capable of making the various needs compatible, from the standpoint of sustainable development, the conservation and increase in value of natural resources, and the quality of development. This will become increasingly important in the future. This goal is undoubtedly ambitious and difficult to achieve; however, evidence of the problems caused by generalized, uncontrolled use of technology, all over the world, leads us to believe that intense efforts must be made to achieve this aim. If not, humankind runs the risk of an irreversible degradation of the most important aspects of economic development and its quality. Within this framework, those companies that produce goods and services obviously occupy a central, active role, which they must play with a view both to competitiveness and overall qualification and to contributing to the objectives of sustainable development.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780792347569
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	09/30/1997
Series:	Theory and Decision Library A: , #25
Edition description:	1997
Pages:	340
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

1 Features of Technology and Technological Dynamics.- 2 The Innovative Cycle.- 3 Technological Dynamics and Knowledge.- 4 The Dynamics of Production Technologies and Structures.- 5 Technological Dynamics, Efficiency and Productivity.- 6 Technological Dynamics and Quality Issues.- 7 Economic Ennects of Technological Dynamics.- 8 Methods for Evaluating Processes and Technologies.- 9 Technology Policy for Sustainable Development.- References.