Abstract

This theoretical paper critically assesses existing long wave discourse which classifies the current set of innovation surges as part of a 5th Kondratieff cycle, with the 6th likely to be based on nanotechnologies or bio-medical technologies. Kondratieff long wave theory provides a strong cognitive tool to examine such innovation surges. This paper argues that the existing discourse is incorrect: the 5th Kondratieff cycle should be classed as the age of computing while the 6th should be classed as the age of the information superhighway. The 5th Kondratieff wave was about computing and basic communication technologies, while the 6th is about ubiquitous access to the Internet as an information superhighway and conduit for social and technological innovation.

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