Path dependence unfolds in three phases governed by distinct regimes.

Evidence

In essence, we suggest a framework that differentiates three developmental phases of path dependence, starting with (1) singular historical events, (2) which may, under certain conditions, transform themselves into self-reinforcing dynamics, and (3) possibly end up in an organizational lock-in. The three phases are each assumed to be governed by different regimes. — Jörg Sydow, Georg Schreyögg, and Jochen Koch, Organizational Path Dependence, 16

Categorization

• DEFINE: Gives the operational three-phase vocabulary (singular event to self-reinforcing dynamic to lock-in) used throughout the paper.
• XREF: Connects to Arthur and David’s evolutionary-economics work on increasing returns and QWERTY lock-in, which readers likely already know.