The first individuals to adopt an innovation.

• A. Innovators
• B. Early adopters
• C. Early majority
• D. First to market

Answer: (A)

In diffusion of innovations, the first individuals to try a new idea are the innovators. They are venturesome and willing to take risks, often having the resources and tolerance for uncertainty needed to experiment with something new. They tend to be a small portion of the population and are motivated by novelty and the opportunity to gain an edge, not by broad social proof. Their early testing provides initial feedback and signals to others that the idea is worth considering. After them come the next groups, who rely on the innovators’ experiences and social cues to decide whether to adopt. Being first to market describes when a product or idea is released, not who actually adopts it.