The document discusses the S curve, which illustrates the life cycle of a phenomenon from slow initial growth, to rapid growth, leveling off, and eventual decline. It describes the S curve's stages of infancy, youth, maturity and old age. The S curve can be used as a strategic tool to understand the life cycles of products, industries and technologies. It also discusses how the S curve can benefit technology acquisition, identification and exploitation activities by showing where a technology is in its growth cycle.