Anchored Exploration in Product Evolution: A Phylogenetic Network Framework for Semiconductor Designs

We develop a product phylogenetic network framework for examining anchored exploration. Using 102,465 semiconductor products grouped into 45,996 design families, we distinguish accumulated design continuity (Anchor) from externally precedented feature additions (horizontal transfer, HT). Fitted regressions yield non-monotonic relationships for HT occurrence and descendant carriage, alongside increasing within-family carriage over observed support. These patterns connect technological trajectories and recombination by distinguishing the continuity associated with incorporating external features from that associated with reproducing them in subsequent products.