Patterns of Diffusion of New Technologies in Small Metal-Working Firms: The Case of an Italian Region

Abstract

Programmable automation in the form of numerically controlled and computerized numerically controlled machine tools and flexible manufacturing systems has been commonly hailed as signalling a fundamental economic-technical paradigm shift similar to the shifts due to the introduction of the steam engine and the electric motor. This paper discusses the patterns of diffusion of microelectronics-based technical change in machine tools employed in metal-working or ‘engineering’ firms in Italy. It is directed toward the segment of the production process involving the employment of metal-cutting milling machines. The paper builds a taxonomy linking innovative technological patterns to the competencies and strategies of firms.