From Lock-In to Transformation: A Path-Centric Theory of Emerging Technology and Organizing

We offer a path-centric theory of emerging technology and organizing that addresses a basic question. When does emerging technology lead to transformative change? A path-centric perspective on technology focuses on the patterns of actions afforded by technology in use. We identify performing and patterning as self-reinforcing mechanisms that shape patterns of action in the domain of emerging technology and organizing. We use a dynamic simulation to show that performing and patterning can lead to a wide range of trajectories, from lock-in to transformation, depending on how emerging technology in use influences the pattern of action. When emerging technologies afford new actions that can be flexibly recombined to generate new paths, decisive transformative effects are more likely. By themselves, new affordances are not likely to generate transformation. We illustrate this theory with examples from the practice of pharmaceutical drug discovery. The path-centric perspective offers a new way to think about generativity and the role of affordances in organizing.

Automated summary

The paper introduces a path-centric theory of emerging technology and organizing, focusing on when emerging technology leads to transformative change and the self-reinforcing mechanisms of performing and patterning in shaping action patterns. The study suggests that the influence of emerging technology on action patterns determines the range of trajectories it might lead to, from lock-in to transformation. Decisive transformative effects are more likely when emerging technologies offer new actions that can be flexibly recombined to generate new paths.