The New Institutional Theory Approach to Technology: From Nature to Policy Making

The purpose of this article is to explain technology and policymaking in this field according to the new institutionalism theory. So, an attempt has been made to explain how the three main problems of new institutionalism - Information, benefits distribution and coordination (Cooperation) - in the field of technology are explained by expressing the nature and levels of technology on the one hand, and what the institutions in the new institutionalism theory are, on the other hand. It is shown here that the three main institutional groups, namely mental structures, government entities, and technology institutions, are the most important institutions influencing technology components and its ten levels. Also, by highlighting the factors that influence institutional change, the policy-making process in the area of technology promotion is outlined and at the end of the article, waiting time for a change of each of the three institutions influencing technology promotion is explained. In this context, opposition to and resistance of the losers to technology upgrades are the most important determinants of the costs of institutional change, and therefore, mental models, government, and technological institutions, respectively, need the most time to change.