Path Dependence and QWERTY
경로 의존성 이론
An evolutionary economics and historical institutionalism theory showing that early, contingent events combined with increasing returns to scale can permanently lock society into inferior technological or institutional paths.
| Field | Economics · Management · Science & Technology Studies |
|---|---|
| Level of analysis | Macro · Structures & Institutions |
| Paradigm | Evolutionary Approach Institutionalism |
| Key figures | 👤 Paul David (폴 데이비드) 👤 W. Brian Arthur (브라이언 아서) |
| Year | 1985 |
Key Claims
Paul David and W. Brian Arthur demonstrated that dynamic processes with increasing returns (network externalities, adaptive expectations) exhibit non-ergodicity and lock-in. Historical accidents can permanently establish sub-optimal technical standards (like QWERTY) over superior alternatives.
Further Reading
- David, P. A. (1985). Clio and the Economics of QWERTY. American Economic Review, 75(2), 332–337.
- Arthur, W. B. (1989). Competing technologies, increasing returns, and lock-in by historical events. Economic Journal, 99(394), 116–131.
Related theories 2개
A foundational theoretical framework in economics addressing New Institutional Economics at the macro level of analysis.
A foundational theoretical framework in sts addressing The Social Construction of Technology at the meso level of analysis.