Abstract

In this paper, we further explore the role of human agency in driving the evolution of an industry and its prevailing technology.  We attempt a new way at mapping industry evolution by examining the knowledge flows that are induced by the combinative behavior of individuals associated with pools of knowledge-whether firms, regions or communities of practice. What are the  conditions under which firms are more likely to become trend setting (i.e., highly innovative and impactful), as opposed to trend consolidating and to explore the role of employees and other individuals among incumbents versus start-ups in the imaging (photographic) sector in triggering the emergence of new technological trajectories and shaping their evolution over time.