The Intensity Evaluation of Technological Change:the Mercalli scale for innovations

The purpose of this paper, after accurate description of the taxonomies of the innovation available in economic literature, is to evaluate technological change on the basis of the effects provoked by the innovative waves on consumers, firms and markets. Similarly to the Mercalli-Cancani- Sieberg scale, used in seismology to empirically evaluate earthquakes, this paper introduces a scale of innovative intensity (SIIN) characterised by 7 increasing degrees that describe the main effects caused by innovation on the geoeconomic environment. A conclusive discussion will show that the geographical approach proposed is complementary to the historical approach used in economic theory and assists comprehension of the complex phenomenon of economic-technological change.