Staying at the technology forefront by spotting the reverse salient: The case of digital video broadcasting

Abstract

This paper traces the historical evolution of DVB (digital video broadcasting) terrestrial (DVB-T) and handheld (DVB-H) technologies subsequent to the resolution of reverse salients - components of technological systems which trail in technological performance and hinder potential development of the system at large. Early identification and resolution of reverse salients is an important consideration for organizations, as providing technological solutions with respect to reverse salients often derives competitive advantage through the establishment of standards and patents. We argue that organizations exclusive of the DVB group (industry-led consortium overseeing the evolution of digital television in Europe) can stay at the forefront of technological development by identifying current as well as forecasting future reverse salients from available information such as standards and patent registries.