Exploring the research landscape of convergence from a TIM perspective

A review and research agenda

Bibliographic Data

ID21403913
AuthorsNathalie Sick (0000-0002-0713-6918, University of Technology Sydney, corresponding author), Stefanie Bröring (0000-0003-2014-2586, University of Bonn)
Year2022
Volume175
Pages121321
Publication date2022-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTechnological Forecasting and Social Change (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0040-1625 • E-ISSN: 1873-5509
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121321
OpenAlexW3213606889
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited161

Convergence at the level of science, technology, market or industry can increasingly be witnessed in a number of empirical settings. It is currently seen as one of the most important influence factors on and trigger for developing innovation strategies. This empirical relevance is mirrored by a surge in publications. Therefore, motivated by a highly dynamic but at the same time rather unstructured body of literature, this review offers a systematic and critical analyses of studies related to Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) research that address convergence from a processual perspective. Four major strands can be identified: (1) drivers and patterns of convergence, (2) anticipation of convergence, (3) strategic reactions to convergence, and (4) convergent products. A key finding of this review is that most contributions have been inward oriented, i.e. understanding the dynamics of convergence. A consequence of this inner focus is that the scientific discourse on convergence has to some degree unfolded independently from its theoretical underpinnings. To this end, this review provides a comprehensive framework of convergence research, including current challenges and emerging themes to address these challenges. The resulting research agenda serves as a starting point to inspire future studies of relevance for theory and conceptual development as well as managerial practice

Anticipation (artificial intelligence) · Conceptual framework · Convergence (economics) · Economic growth · Economics · Empirical evidence · Empirical research · Epistemology · Focus (optics) · Knowledge management · Management science · Perspective (graphical) · Political science · Relevance (law) · Social science · Sociology · Technological convergence · Computer Science · Digital Platforms and Economics · Innovation and Knowledge Management · Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting

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