Microeconomics SeminarAn Experimental Study on The Influence of Prior Experience on the Adaptation of New TechnologiesMarina Schröder (University of Hannover), VMP 5 (Room 0031)

7 May 2026, 5:15 pm

Abstract: While experience is often associated with efficiency gains, it may also the uptake of novel technologies and thus, transformation. We investigate this trade-off using a controlled online experiment based on a creative ideation task conducted in two stages: a Full Technology stage with access to a complete set of materials, and a Limited Technology stage with restricted tools. We vary both the order of stages and the provision of a starting point to isolate the effects of experience and knowledge. Our results show that both experience and knowledge significantly reduce the intensity of new technology adoption. Participants with prior exposure rely less on the new technology, both by selecting ideas that require it less and by using it less intensively in the implementation of ideas. Overall, the findings highlight a tension between short-run efficiency gains due to experience and knowledge and the adaptation of new technologies.