On sci-tech paradigms: an essay on the economics of innovation

Scholars working in the evolutionary economics of innovation are familiar with the concept of the technological paradigm and, indirectly, with that of the scientific paradigm. The former derives from the latter, and was developed in recognition of the relative autonomy of technology from science. In this work, I reconsider the relationship between science and technology, arguing that, in a fewimportant cases, technology can no longer be meaningfully distinguished from science. In such cases, science and technology converge to form a sci-tech agglomerate, hence the notion of a sci-tech paradigm. The fundamental role played by economic incentives in promoting this convergence is taken into account. Acceptance of this notion implies the need to revise policy frameworks that rely on indicators calibrated for conditions that no longer exist.