Diffusing Controversial Technology: Barriers, Incentives, and Lessons Learned

Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory is a popular model used to explain the adoption of new technologies and to analyze the movement of innovations as they spread through a population. In the changed security environment since September 11th, 2001 (9/11), DOI becomes especially relevant. This systematic literature review offers synthesized findings on how controversy impacts the DOI process by looking to existing literature to discuss barriers, incentives, and lessons learned. Results demonstrated a diverse landscape of articles addressing controversial adoption; specifically, we see potential solutions; barriers, including a lack of transparency and limited accessibility for public assessment and dialogue before implementation; and incentives offered to adopters beyond benefits associated with the core function of the new technology itself. Finally, suggestions are provided in the area of future research, including the need for specific research to supplement and validate many of the findings from the larger field of DOI studies.