ABSTRACT
The rate of diffusion of new technology is of great importance since new techniques can have little or no impact on productivity and living standards unless they are applied. In recent years, there has been some research by economists directed at measuring the rates of diffusion of new techniques and at explaining observed differences among innovations, industries and nations in the rates of diffusion. These studies have been carried out by (among others) Griliches, Nabseth and Ray, Romeo, and myself. 1 The results, although subject to obvious limitations, seem to have shed new light on this important, and hitherto largely neglected, area.
