Outsider initiatives in the reconstruction of the car: The case of lightweight vehicle milieus in Switzerland

Bernhard Truffer*, Gregor Dürrenberger

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This article analyzes the relevance of a specific form of social networks, so-called innovative milieus, for the development of radical innovations. Two Swiss initiatives which developed highly energy-efficient means of individual transport in the past ten years are analyzed in terms of the resources they could mobilize and the risks they run. To assess the milieu's potential for radical innovation, we examine the construction of a lightweight safety system, the social construction of the product category "lightweight vehicle," and the (mis)management of the interface between prototype development and large-scale manufacturing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)207-234
Number of pages28
JournalScience, technology & human values
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 1997

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