This paper studies the order of adoption of a process innovation, thin-slab casting, by U.S. steelmakers. A game-theoretic model of technology adoption with capacity constraints indicates that incumbents are likely to trail entrants in adopting process technologies that reduce the minimal scale required to compete. Evidence from the case study also indicates, however, that the sorts of interactive effects emphasized by game-theoretic models may be dominated by the effects of competitors' heterogeneous precommitments.

Keywords:

• Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
• Metals and Metal Products; Cement; Glass; Ceramics
• Research and Development
• Industry Studies--Manufacturing--Chemicals, Drugs, Plastics, Ceramics, Glass, Cement, and Rubber
• Industry Studies--Manufacturing--Metals (iron, steel, and other)
• Innovation; Technology

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