Nathan Rosenberg: historiador das revoluções tecnológicas e de suas interpretações econômicas

Abstract

Nathan Rosenberg (1927-2015) and his works, together with Christopher Freeman and Richard Nelson, are starting points for evolutionary approach in the mid-1970s. This article discusses a paradox in Rosenberg's work: on the one hand, he is an author skeptical on the elaboration on long waves of capitalist development, on the other hand his work is key to understand the long-term impact of technological revolutions. His critical interpretation of Schumpeter’s sequential scheme (invention-innovation-imitation) unveils how the process is more complex and multifaceted. The result is a much more elaborated view of the spread of technological revolutions, based upon a systematic study of the trajectory of several radical innovations: combustion engine, chemistry, electricity and electronics. Rosenberg’s contributions are incorporated in the emerging concept of General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) - an approach that has a dialogue with neoschumpeterian formulations on long waves of capitalist development.