Paradoxes of innovations: a case study
(2019) , 43 pages
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- Authors
Munten, Pauline 
- Abstract
- The technology paradox asserts that, even if it enhances freedom, control, or efficiency, technology is not intrinsically beneficial; instead, it can have negative implications, such as environmental degradation or diminished human competences. Through this paradoxical lens, this article offers an examination of how innovations in the automobile industry might drive environmental sustainability by studying their impacts on obsolescence as well. A qualitative study involving 34 expert interviews identifies paradoxical tensions at the consumer, manufacturer, and supply chain levels created by four innovative trends shaping the industry (connected, autonomous, shared, and electric cars). These tensions may change (but not necessarily reduce) the current state of obsolescence. This study contributes to innovation literature by challenging the effectiveness of innovations to generate environmental benefits, due to their paradoxical nature; it also contributes to sustainability and obsolescence research by highlighting the impact of innovations on different types of obsolescence.
- Affiliations
Citations
Munten, P., Swaen, V., & Vanderseypen, E. (2019). Paradoxes of innovations: a case study (Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations Working Paper Series 2019/21). https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/122254