Mapping technological trajectories as the main paths of knowledge flow: Evidence from printers

In this paper, we recognize that technological trajectories can be modeled as a series of problem-solving activities, manifesting the cyclical pattern of divergence-convergence knowledge flow. This recognition is applied to study the technological development of the thermal inkjet print head, using main path analysis and an assignee cross-citation network. Our analysis shows that the thermal inkjet print head experienced three cycles of divergence-convergence knowledge flow. Each of the cycles was evidently characterized by a problem of most concern and a referred solution. Our research contributes to explaining why, when, and how trajectories diverge and converge cyclically.