ORCID
- Christopher Agyapong Siaw: 0000-0001-7277-3617
Abstract
Technological convergence is a critical driver of technological evolution and industrial transformation, yet, convergence also generates complex ethical, sustainability, and regulatory challenges that remain poorly understood and insufficiently theorized. This study advances a conceptual framework that explains the regulatory mechanisms shaping convergence and non-convergence dynamics across three ecosystem layers: components, products and applications, and support and infrastructure. By distinguishing these layers, the framework reveals how interdependent evolution can raise ethical, sustainability, and regulatory concerns at different levels. The study advances theory by (1) reconceptualizing convergence as a multi-layered phenomenon, (2) expanding analysis beyond appropriability indicators such as patents to includedevelopment-based mechanisms like licensing, (3) proposing a dual regulatory role in balancing innovation development and appropriation, and (4) showing how regulation conditions the effects of convergence and non-convergence on technological sustainability.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-02-14
Publication Title
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
Volume
226
ISSN
0040-1625
Acceptance Date
2026-02-02
Deposit Date
2026-02-03
Funding
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Additional Links
https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105030113851, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162526000703?via%3Dihub#coi0005
Keywords
Ecosystem, Innovation, Regulation, Sustainability, Technology convergence
Recommended Citation
Siaw, C., & Amankwah-Amoah, J. (2026) 'Sustainable Technology Evolution in Innovation Ecosystems: A Regulatory Framework for (Non)-Convergent Technologies', Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 226. Available at: 10.1016/j.techfore.2026.124593
