Trajectory integration and the impact of inventions

Abstract

This study introduces the concept of trajectory integration in recombinant search, where inventors recombine multiple inventions from a shared pre-existing trajectory. As inventions within a trajectory build upon their predecessors, we theorize that inventors can learn from these interconnections to develop more effective approaches to new problems. We argue that the benefits of trajectory integration depend on whether inventions in the trajectory belong to the focal domain (inner-domain trajectory integration) or lie outside it (outer-domain trajectory integration). Analyzing 19,266 nuclear energy patent families, we find that inner-domain trajectory integration is linked to higher impact within the focal domain but lower impact outside it. Conversely, outer-domain trajectory integration is associated with impact beyond the focal domain but shows no link to impact within it. We contribute to recombinant search literature by highlighting the relevance of considering the historical context of inventions and their trajectories to better understand their value.