Limits to Modularity: Reflections on Recent Developments in Chip Design

摘要: Research on “modularity” has made an important contribution to the study of technical change and economic institutions. It demonstrates that progress in division labor design (technical modularity) created new opportunities for organization firms beyond vertical integration, by fostering specialization both manufacturing innovation. However, a small, but growing revisionist literature contends enthusiasm modularity gone too far. Instead exploring challenges difficulties management is facing implementing modularity, there tendency generalize empirical observations are context‐specific confound them with prescription as well prediction. This paper sides cautioning against claims pervasive modularity. The objective not propose alternative theory. More modestly, I am aiming move debate away from polemics scholarly discourse a...