Theoretical Economics 20 (2025), 453–480

An innovation (e.g., new product or idea) spreads like a virus, transmitted by those who have previously adopted it. Agents update their beliefs about innovation quality based on private signals and when they hear about the innovation. We characterize equilibrium adoption dynamics and the resulting lifecycle of virally-spread innovations. Herding on adoption can occur but only early in the innovation lifecycle, and adoption eventually ceases for all virally-spread innovations. A producer capable of advertising directly to consumers finds it optimal to wait and allow awareness to grow virally initially after launch.

Keywords: SIR model, economic epidemic, innovation lifecycle

JEL classification: C72, D62, D83