Path-dependence and “lock-in.”
A path-dependent sequence of economic changes is one of which important influences upon the eventual outcome can be exerted by temporally remote events, including happenings dominated by chance elements rather than systematic forces. (David 1985, p. 332).
Paul A. David, 1935-
wExample: the QWERTY keyboard.
The Sholes & Glidden Type Writer (1874)