Technology diffusion and firm agency from a technological innovation systems perspective: A case study of fatigue monitoring in the mining industry

Abstract The diffusion of new technological innovations occurs within an ecosystem of stakeholders, institutions and networks. Dynamic interactions and processes need to unfold in order for an innovation to be diffused successfully. This study borrows from the perspectives of the technological innovation systems (TIS) framework and agency to investigate how a firm can be agentic in overcoming barriers to the diffusion of its technology; by removing blockages to the fulfilment of innovation functions outlined by TIS. As such, we analyse firm- and system-level structures and processes relevant to a new fatigue monitoring device primarily developed for application in the mining sector. Our results highlight impediments and drivers for the diffusion of the new device at different levels and at different stages throughout the diffusion process. The study also suggests that new entrants into an innovation system need to critically analyse its structure and functions and devise strategies to overcome blocking mechanisms.