关键词: 技术创新 , 优化 , 多主体系统 , technological innovation, optimization, multi-agent system

Abstract: In the study of technology development, innovation and optimization are often distinguished or even considered opposite. This paper discusses the concept of optimization, and generalizes it to include all human activities that attempt to improve systems. Hence technology innovation can be interpreted as a class of complex multi-actor dynamic optimization processes. Each actor is constantly trying to maximize his or her objectives subject to current individual resource constraints by means of both independent searches and cooperation and competition with other actors. Gradually the constraints are loosened and objectives are improved by the joint efforts, and new technologies, products, processes and services are constantly created. The unification of the two concepts promotes better quantitative description and analysis of innovation.