Pre-standardization of cognitive radio systems

Cognitive Radio technology is commonly seen as a promise to form the basis of the next largest breakthrough in the development of ubiquitous wireless broadband services. However, the disruptive nature and complexity of this technology raises a host of associated issues, including the open question on reasons for the slow progression of the innovation. This paper reviews different streams of literature on technology evolution to suggest that CR development can be best conceptualized as anticipatory (pre-)standardizing process at an early phase. At the backdrop of the absent obvious leader in CR development, the authors conduct a co-evolutionary analysis of the CR innovation context to reveal a stakeholders' domain, which is best positioned to lead the further CR development. Finally, the authors conclude that the regulatory domain oversees some of the most crucial enabling factors that may decide the future of CR technology.