Which group of adopters follows the early adopters in the diffusion of innovation model?

In the diffusion of innovation model, the group of adopters that follows the early adopters is the early majority. This category is crucial because it represents a significant portion of the population that adopts an innovation after seeing its benefits demonstrated by the early adopters, who are usually more willing to take risks and experiment with new products or ideas.

The early majority is characterized by a more cautious approach compared to the early adopters. They tend to value the opinions and experiences of the early adopters and seek assurance that the innovation is beneficial before they decide to adopt it themselves. This group plays a vital role in the overall adoption process because their acceptance is often critical for the widespread adoption of an innovation.

Their timing in the adoption curve is important, as they help to stabilize the market presence of an innovation after it has gained initial traction through early adopters. This leads to greater acceptance and can spur further innovation and enhancement of products or services as the benefits become more widely recognized among the larger population.