Final answer:
In the introductory stage of the industry life cycle, Technology Enthusiasts are the most common customer segment, followed by Early Adopters, the Early Majority, the Late Majority, and finally, the Laggards. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common customer segment in the introductory stage of the industry life cycle is B. Technology enthusiasts. During this phase, new products or services are just being introduced to the market, and technology enthusiasts are the first to try them out. They are keen on novel technologies and are willing to take risks on unproven products. Following the enthusiasts comes the Early adopters, who are influential in spreading the word but come into the picture slightly later than the enthusiasts.
Only after these early groups have entered the market do the Early majority and Late majority start to adopt the product, typically when its utility is more established and the risks are lower. Lastly, the Laggards are the last to adopt an innovation, usually once the technology has become mainstream or even outdated. In the introductory stage of the industry life cycle, the early adopters are the most common customer segment.
Early adopters are the innovators and trendsetters who are willing to take risks and try new products or services before the majority of the market. They are typically younger and more tech-savvy individuals who embrace innovation and enjoy being the first to have the latest gadgets or experiences.