Figure 7
The flowchart shows a model of knowledge dynamics and technological exaptation. On the upper left, a rectangular box labeled “exploratory learning” connects downward and then rightward to a central dash dot rectangular container. This path is labeled “Knowledge flow”. Above the central container, two rectangular boxes labeled “knowledge scope” and “knowledge reconstruction ability” point downward with arrows into the central dashed container. The central dashed container is divided into two horizontal rows by a solid line. In the top row, two rounded rectangular boxes labeled “new technologies” and “existing technologies” are joined by a plus symbol. An arrow from this pair points rightward to an oval labeled “extra-use exaptation”. In the bottom row, two rounded rectangular boxes labeled “new Market” and “existing technologies” are joined by a plus symbol. An arrow from this pair points rightward to an oval labeled “scenario driven exaptation”. At the bottom of the diagram, a separate large dash-dot rectangular container holds four rounded rectangular boxes arranged horizontally: “knowledge acquisition”, “knowledge distribution”, “knowledge integration”, and “knowledge innovation”.Exploratory learning-driven exaptation based on ecosystem theory