Does Planned Obsolescence Increase Speed of Innovation in Society and Civilization?

There was a recent research study at the Universityexample might be Apple Computers.
of Kent in the UK which indicated "Cheaper FashionOne might say that since Laptop Computers have
Causes Faster Fashion Change," and this study wasimproved and become stable platforms and more
mentioned in a recent "Futurist Magazine" by the Worldreliable, they've hit their peak, and thus, there is no
Future Foundation. Okay, now then let's take thismoney in making new laptops, because the old ones
theme and ask a much better question, shall we?last 3-times as long, and there is no need to buy a
"Does Planned Obsolescence Increase Speed ofnew one. Whereas, if they go out, or fail, break, or stop
Innovation in Society and Civilization?" Well, what is theworking, then the owner has to buy a new one, thus
answer to this - yes or no? And if the answer is yes,more sales and more profit potential for the sector,
then why, and if the answer is no, then let's hear it.which means more capital flows to provide those
Okay so, maybe you are in the old YES camp. Okaygoods.
fine, it is true that when something fails it must bePerhaps, this is what GM, Chrysler, and Ford
replaced with something that works better, or thedetermined when trying to make cars cheaper and
latest new thing. Yes, this means additional sales ofmaximize profits? It backfired didn't it. So, is there a
that item. But planned obsolescence also causeshappy medium? Some planned obsolescence and yet
consumers and buyers to lose confidence in thenot much, which proves to be the best metric, and if
products of that industry.so, what is that formula, and is it different depending on
If your answer is NO, then you could argue that ifthe industry? And will playing with that figure increase
buyers like the sector, they will want the latest newor decrease the speed of innovation? If you have any
thing, and consumers and buyers will be confident inthoughts on this reality, or have considered any of this
the products they buy in that sector, thus, there will beyourself, boy we'd sure like to hear about it. Please
more upside, and therefore more folks capital flows toconsider all this, it's an important issue indeed.
the sector or industry for the next new thing. A good