Social Learning in Technological Innovation

Robin Williams, Professor of Socio-Economic Research, James Stewart, Senior Research Fellow, The University of Edinburgh and Roger Slack, School of Social Sciences, Bangor University, UK

'The book contains a wealth of information about technological innovation and describes a body of research that may not be well known to many; this is a valuable contribution. . . . it is clearly written, well organized, and filled with examples and illustrations of major points. Researchers can learn much from it, and students, especially graduate students, can benefit not only form the light it sheds on research methods and on ways to draw conclusions and spot trends from research data. Product designers and developers can benefit from the lessons learned in the case studies described; the successful innovations were built on a solid base of research, analysis, and understanding of both audience and audience needs.'

• Contents: Foreword Part I: Social Learning: Understanding the Process of Innovation in the Application of ICT 1. Introduction 2. The Scope and Methods of the Study 3. What Do We Mean by Social Learning? 4. Mapping the Process and Space for Social Learning 5. Social Learning in Technology Design 6. Social Learning in Technology Appropriation: Innofusion and Domestication 7. The Conduct and Management of Digital Experiments Part II: Rethinking Innovation Models and Technology Policy Perspectives 8. Policy Contexts and Debates: National Settings for ICT Adoption 9. Supporting Social Learning: Implications for Policy and Practice References Index