From Technization to Transformation: Sociological Perspectives on Technology, Media Changes, and Modes of Innovation

By Werner Rammert

This book offers a coherent introduction to social science research on modern technologies, digital media, and societal innovation. Synthesizing thirty years of theory-building and research findings, the book develops a processual concept of technization and an extended concept of media constellations that help understand long-term societal transformation. Part I presents "Foundational Concepts" that rethink technology studies and the socio-material dynamics arising from the interrelations among economic, political, and cultural practices, and from the co-evolving material and symbolic technologies. Part II assembles research-based studies on four path-breaking "Media Transformations", from early telecommunications and PCs to actual cases of knowledge- and agent-based Artificial Intelligence. Part III provides the foundational texts on "Innovation and Societal Change" that help understand the rise of a post-Schumpeterian mode of innovation and the transformation towards an accelerated and diversified "Innovation Society Today". The collection of the author's most relevant essays on technization, mediatization, and innovation processes offers researchers a broad overview and sound suggestions for future research. At the same time, this thorough review is suitable as an introduction for advanced students of sociology and other social sciences; computing, communication, and media studies; and the international STS community.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3032395682
• ISBN13: 9783032395689
• Release Date: December 2026
• Publisher: Springer