Imitation Lag

Summary of Imitation Lag

The period between achievement of a technological advantage in one country and its successful imitation by another. Initially, a demand lag occurs until a desire for the new product is fully articulated; this stage is followed by a reaction lag, during which time local potential producers of the new product sense the demand, realize that the innovating country enjoys an export monopoly, and respond by imitating the product. See technology GAP.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)