Standards and innovation in technological dynamics

Abstract

If the world of industry had only one single system, with one set of standards, dimensions, rules, and techniques, it w o u l d be easier, cheaper, and faster to handle the progress of any project. However, if that were the case, any shortcoming in this system would h i n d e r the progress of projects made in response to the evolv- ing world of industry. In short, variety is not only the spice of life but also the immunity that any sys- tem, not only industrial, should have to ensure sur- vival. But variety is expensive to maintain and track. Is there a trade-off? Definitely. What is the trade-off that will guarantee maximal performance both spatially and temporally?