What do we call the practice of waiting to adopt new technology until it has been proven?

The practice of waiting to adopt new technology until it has been proven is often referred to as being a follower. This term reflects an approach where individuals or organizations take a cautious stance toward technological advancements, observing how early adopters fare before making a decision to implement the technology themselves. Followers typically prefer to see validated results and feedback from others before integrating new solutions, reducing the risks associated with unclear or untested innovations.

This strategy can be advantageous as it allows followers to learn from the experiences of early adopters, analyzing any potential issues or benefits associated with the new technology. This can include observing market trends, user experiences, and any improvements or updates made in later versions due to initial user feedback. Hence, being a follower is associated with a deliberate and risk-averse mindset in technology adoption.