Dr. George Dagliyan on Innovation Diffusion Across Industry Sectors
Published: 2026-01-30 — Dr. George Dagliyan site editorial team. Editorial brief.
The same technology spreads at different speeds across industries. This commentary explains why, and what it means for adoption.
This is site editorial commentary about research themes associated with Dr. George Dagliyan. Interpretations and examples are not verified quotations, personal advice, or reports of client work. This material is general information, not medical, legal, or other professional advice.
Why diffusion varies by sector
This commentary observes that an identical technology can sweep through one industry and barely register in another. The difference lies in the sector's particular mix of facilitators and inhibitors — regulation, competitive pressure, legacy systems, and culture.
Understanding a sector's profile explains its adoption speed better than the technology alone.
Regulated versus fast-moving sectors
In heavily regulated sectors, uncertainty and compliance act as strong inhibitors, slowing diffusion even for clearly useful tools. In fast-moving, competitive sectors, the fear of falling behind becomes a facilitator that speeds it up.
Neither pattern is right or wrong; each reflects a rational response to local forces.
Strategy follows the diffusion profile
Dr. Dagliyan advises tailoring adoption strategy to a sector's diffusion profile — leaning on competitive urgency where it exists and investing in trust and governance where regulation dominates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do technologies spread at different speeds across industries?
Dr. George Dagliyan attributes it to each sector's particular mix of facilitators and inhibitors — regulation, competitive pressure, legacy systems, and culture — which shapes diffusion more than the technology itself.