Knowledge, innovation and the race to the South Pole

Abstract The present article extends recent studies that ask what might else have been considered by Scott and Amundsen in planning their sledging operations to reach the South Pole during southern summer of 1911/12. Both were on cusp changes exploration methods had at hand significant knowledge from past expeditions. Scott’s preparations based British Arctic experiences using several haulage including innovation, motor sledges. He little success with them although more research experimentation made valuable. Amundsen’s integrated program was previous American Norwegian Antarctica. race between two men very different backgrounds. belonged same generation, followed romantic tradition heroism as suffering; whereas came a culture did not value unnecessary risk life limb. won organizational type approach gathering knowledge. Evolutionary economics its focus structure impact use innovation is used evaluate plans results Amundsen.