The assessment and management of a Kuhnian paradigm shift for the successful application of breakthrough technologies

There are many examples of technology projects or processes which failed or were delayed by years due to professionals holding onto to a universally accepted paradigm which had now been superseded based on new insights and developments. Although a universally accepted scientific theory or technology may in hindsight be obviously flawed, it is usually extremely difficult to promote and get acceptance of the breakthrough technology based on a new paradigm. A conservative attitude under such circumstances may have its merits initially, but delays in progress of revolutionary technologies are wasteful and possibly even irresponsible. The type of technology paradigm shift under consideration in the context of this paper is comparable to a Kuhnian scientific revolution. (Thomas Kuhn) However it is surmised that an emerging revolutionary technology requires a very similar approach to scientific paradigm shifts as these too are often initially ridiculed, ignored and rejected which can push the technology discipline into crisis. Managing emerging technologies which can lead to a breakthrough technology such as in nano-, bio-, medical- and engineering technologies require a special and a long, persistent scientifically and morally correct approach, if new-technology based paradigm shifts must find universal acceptance. The task contains many challenges and uncertainties but will eventually be overcome by the passage of time, strategic thinking and rigorous and broad academic investigation. Research shows that such universal paradigm shifts could be accelerated by the application of certain fundamentals and sound management practices. It is thus considered essential for practitioners in emerging technologies to be aware and enabled to manage such situations, as rare as their occurrence may be in their specific discipline. An exploratory research method is followed in this paper using bibliometric data where appropriate to address some relationships between technology processe- and paradigm shifts.