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Accelerating the Diffusion of Innovations Using Opinion Leaders

Bibliographic Data

ID5774036
AuthorsT W Valente (0000-0002-8824-5816, Johns Hopkins University), Rebecca L Davis (University of Maryland, College Park), Rebecca Davis (0000-0002-8629-3144, University of Maryland, College Park)
Year1999
Volume566
Issue1
Pages55-67
Publication date1999-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-7162 • E-ISSN: 1552-3349
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0002716299566001005
OpenAlexW4241739296
LanguageEN
Citations received191
References cited29

Theory on the diffusion of innovations has been used to study the spread of new ideas and practices for over 50 years in a wide variety of settings. Most studies have been retrospective, and most have neglected to collect information on interpersonal communication networks. In addition, few have attempted to use the lessons from diffusion research to accelerate the diffusion of innovations. This article outlines a method to accelerate the diffusion of innovations using opinion leaders. The authors present their optimal matching procedure and report on computer simulations that show how much faster diffusion occurs when initiated by opinion leaders. Limitations and extensions of the model are discussed

Business · Diffusion · Diffusion of innovations · Diffusion theory · Engineering ethics · Opinion leadership · Physics · Political science · Public relations · Thermodynamics · Complex Network Analysis Techniques · Engineering · ICT Impact and Policies · Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence · Psychology · Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

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Unique citing works142
Citations per year7,64
Citation span2001 - 2026 (26)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 185
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