elementary process

Elementary processes are the non-divisible time-space units of >production. They have different Eigen-times and therefore, in their composition, determine the temporal structure of production (>time). For example, the pressing of a shape onto a piece of metal is an elementary process which is much shorter that the process to grow a fruit tree until the first harvest.

There are intentional and non-intentional elementary processes, depending on whether an actor sets the process in motion by intention, so that it is part of >work, like the application of natural fertilizer in a garden. Non-intentional elementary processes do not depend on an actor, but can be part of a larger intentional scheme, like the rottening of plants to produce natural fertilizer. Furthermore, there are intended and unintended consequences of elementary processes, depending on whether the result matches the intention and expectations of the actor or not. Since elementary processes change the state of actors, >externalities arise if the change of state is not intended by the receiving actor. In market contexts, externalities arise if there is no corresponding exchange balancing the externality.

These distinctions are important to understand the interdependence between institutions, processes, action and production. The temporal structure of Eigen-times imposes constraints on the evolution of structure and the sequence of transactions. Externalities may not be perceived by the actors but in later times, with implications for the optimal design of intentional action. In both cases, actors cannot rely on optimization calculus to choose among elementary processes.

Basic References
The concept of elementary process has been developed in EE by
Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, The Entropy Law and the Economic Process, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1971.

There are some web resources on this great economist:
On Georgescu-Roegen

Semantic Field
production
elementary process   externality