The evolutionary process of secondary innovation

Summary form only given. In contrast with “first innovation” which generates and dominates the technological paradigms, and is usually carried out in developed countries, this paper explores the evolutionary process of “secondary innovation” which is performed on the basis of acquired technologies, particularly in developing countries (DCs). By presenting a general conceptual technology source-centered model of secondary innovation with four sequential sub-models: imitation; assimilation; exploitation; and exploration, as a framework, this paper studies the evolutionary processes of secondary innovation as in one technological cycle (within a defined technological paradigm) and the linear and nonlinear dynamics of secondary innovation in DCs. The key issues to appropriate “late-comer´s advantages” are also explored