The Role of Adoption Networks in the Success of Innovations

It is widely acknowledged that the ability to make connections is frequently at the heart of the creative process that gives rise to innovation. Often these connections span seemingly unconnected spaces. Textiles manufacturing, for example, has had a profound influence on —of all things— the invention of the modern computer. The 19 century Jacquard loom used in large textile factories had a system of punched cards that helped guide the pattern that was woven on the fabric assembled on the loom. Differently punched cards meant different patterns. It was this punched cards system that made its way into Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine, which in turn became the prototype for the early version of the electronic computer. The punch card system continued to maintain its presence for quite some time until the computer became personalized. The chain of connections that led from the loom to the laptop was, of course, linked into many other ideas and events – an entire network that is crucial to the invention process. What is relatively less understood is that innovation’s reliance on a network is equally critical downstream, where the invention must have impact in the marketplace through widespread adoption.