I'm not sure whether this question is well on topic at History of Science and Mathematics?
My question:
From computer games like Civilizations, we know the concept of the technology tree, i.e. different technologies and innovations are conceived to be interlinked in a graph.
Is there actually such a thing (maybe not exactly but comparable) in reality* in terms of research and technology management and also historical analysis and if yes what is the proper term for that (given that the "TechTree" term is specific to games?)
* Besides the paper citation graph