A Simple Model of Technological Research 155 



in the earlier part of this chapter (as well as in chapter 3) is quite 

 consistent with the implications of this simple model. The dis- 

 cussion of the sugarcane experience as a prototype for other types 

 of technological discovery and diffusion suggests that the model 

 has broad applicability. 



The scope for major theoretical advance in this area is great. 

 Many of the avenues for extension of these models are obvious. 

 Search can be treated in a more sophisticated fashion. Learning 

 behavior can be modeled in a more realistic way. And the exten- 

 sion of the model to a multidimensional search-learning process 

 involving not one, but several, traits of improved plants would 

 enrich the theory. 



