Synthesiology English edition
Online ISSN : 1883-2318
Print ISSN : 1883-0978
ISSN-L : 1883-0978
Research papers
Two types of lead users in a model for the transfer of technology into households
— The development and diffusion of induction heating cookery —
Yuka KUBOYasunori BABA
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2009 Volume 2 Issue 3 Pages 184-193

Details
Abstract

In this paper, we propose a multi lead users model for the transfer of technology into households through an empirical analysis of the development and diffusion of induction heating (IH) cookery. Even if big firms successfully develop a technology such as IH, a new cooking paradigm based upon a special cooking device or special recipes is necessary when introducing a new technology to households. We postulate that two types of lead users play crucial roles in the task: reasoning-based lead users with technological expertise contribute to the development of functionality; sensitivity- based lead users having little expertise contribute to diffusion by making product socially trendy and authentically attractive. When introducing advanced technologies such as robots that have not been successfully diffused into households, forming flexible networks between the multi lead users and other stakeholders becomes highly indispensable.

Content from these authors
© 2009 National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top