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Has this ever happened to you?
You've used the word 'pathways' or been in a big discussion about 'technology pathways', but then realized you/others were actually talking about something else entirely?
Well no longer! Introducing: this tweet thread explaining what pathways are.
You've used the word 'pathways' or been in a big discussion about 'technology pathways', but then realized you/others were actually talking about something else entirely?
Well no longer! Introducing: this tweet thread explaining what pathways are.
First point on pathways: A pathway is not a strategy, it's not a random list of ideas, and it is not an incomprehensible academic concept (although it is often presented as one of those).
Pathways are, at their core, about understanding how change happens, and helping guide it.
Pathways are, at their core, about understanding how change happens, and helping guide it.
Pathways are a concept that helps outline the 'path' that an economy/industry/region takes to get from Point A to Point B.
They're a frame for understanding how everything - from tech to people to ideas - interact to shape/influence the trajectory of change.
They're a frame for understanding how everything - from tech to people to ideas - interact to shape/influence the trajectory of change.
Each pathway is shaped by interactions between ideas. There's no one factor that's more important than any other - ultimately, things are the way they are because many things made them that way.
3 categories interact to shape change: incumbents, niche ideas, and the landscape.
3 categories interact to shape change: incumbents, niche ideas, and the landscape.
So how do we assess pathways? What matters a given pathway "good"?
That mostly depends what you're trying to do. If you're trying to reach net-zero - then one characteristic of a "good" pathway is one that has the technical potential to do that.
That mostly depends what you're trying to do. If you're trying to reach net-zero - then one characteristic of a "good" pathway is one that has the technical potential to do that.
When thinking about pathways, you can use a three-step process:
- Pick the "Point B" you're trying to get to
- Identify what characteristics can evaluate whether a pathway is able to get you there
- Evaluate what would be needed across the board to shape change in that direction
- Pick the "Point B" you're trying to get to
- Identify what characteristics can evaluate whether a pathway is able to get you there
- Evaluate what would be needed across the board to shape change in that direction
Couple things to re-iterate:
A pathway is not a strategy. Strategies are high-level plans. If your pathway depends on everything going according to plan, then it won't work because nothing ever goes entirely according to plan. So you should ensure it's flexible enough to pivot
A pathway is not a strategy. Strategies are high-level plans. If your pathway depends on everything going according to plan, then it won't work because nothing ever goes entirely according to plan. So you should ensure it's flexible enough to pivot
Your definition of a "good" pathway is also not occurring in a vacuum. Everyone has opinions about where we need to go, and understanding what other people's objectives are is key to making pathways compelling enough to attract investment and public support.
This frame isn't perfect. It's a touch simplistic (some things can be niche AND landscape ideas), but just because it isn't perfect doesn't mean it isn't useful.
And, one last time - Strategies set your Point B. Pathways help you understand what to consider when getting there.
And, one last time - Strategies set your Point B. Pathways help you understand what to consider when getting there.
I made this both out of spite, and because the only people who talk about the mechanics of technical transitions pathways are academics whose writing is often borderline incomprehensible.
Now - go forth and use this wisdom as a force for good in our malevolent universe.
Now - go forth and use this wisdom as a force for good in our malevolent universe.
