Adoption of payment systems in ten countries – a case study of diffusion of innovations

Abstract

Studies adoptions of four different payment systems in ten countries during 1988‐96. Adoption curves are estimated from secondary data concerning ATMs and banker’s cards. Usage of a previously introduced payment system appeared to affect the adoption of a system innovation. Based on the shape of the adoption curves and the estimation of external and internal influences from the social system, it was concluded that the adoption process was almost exclusively driven by internal influences, i.e. social learning. Draws conclusions for the introduction of the smart card.