Influence of Luddism on innovation diffusion

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Sociology

Background:

• The classical Bass model explains innovation diffusion but lacks mechanisms for opposition.
• Understanding factors limiting widespread technology adoption is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generalize the Bass model by incorporating Luddites who oppose innovation.
• To analyze the impact of Luddites on innovation diffusion dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a generalized Bass model with four agent types: ignorants, susceptibles, adopters, and Luddites.
• Employed analytical methods and stochastic simulations to investigate system evolution.
• Examined the influence of network topology on diffusion patterns.

Main Results:

• The model predicts a final state with Luddites, ignorants, and adopters, rather than complete adoption.
• A dichotomy exists: low adoption rates yield slow but wide spread; high rates yield rapid but limited adoption.
• Luddite presence significantly restricts the overall extent of innovation adoption.

Conclusions:

• The generalized Bass model provides a more realistic framework for innovation diffusion by including opposition.
• The rate of adoption critically influences the trade-off between spread speed and adoption extent.
• Network topology plays a role in shaping innovation diffusion outcomes in the presence of Luddites.