Interparadigmatic hybrids: A new theoretical concept when addressing paradigmatic shifts in technology

Journal article, 2010

Paradigmatic shifts are challenging and consequently considerable efforts have been made to find concepts relating to the innovation process which lead from one paradigm to the next. This paper takes its inspiration from previous literature and studies of more than incremental innovations in the automotive industry. It outlines the concept of an interparadigmatic hybrid as a temporary combination (in one product or service) of technologies from an existing and a future paradigm in a way that facilitates the development toward the future paradigm. The proposed concept is tested on the product level using empirical data from the automotive industry, where it is assumed that hybrid electric vehicle technologies have the role of an interparadigmatic hybrid in the potential shift from the internal combustion engine to the paradigm of pure electric propulsion. The conclusions include an argument for the usefulness of the proposed concept for corporate managers, and perhaps even more so for policymakers and researchers, as it provides long-term strategic guidance and a (techno)logical order. © 2010 World Scientific Publishing Company.