Picking a Winner?
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Date
2008-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Technische Universität Dortmund
Alternative Title(s)
Innovation in Photovoltaics and the Political Creation of Niche Markets
Abstract
Innovation theory has pointed to the complex, non-linear character of innovation processes. Heterogeneous networks of actors including a mixed spectrum of many and diverse academic, economic, and governmental agencies combine to achieve innovations. Is there any role for innovation policy beyond influencing framework conditions in such a situation? The article analyzes the case of a successful innovation in the energy sector: photovoltaics. It argues that - given the special characteristics of the energy sector - successful innovation depended on strong political support and an advocacy coalition, which achieved institutional backing. The method chosen to realize the innovation was the creation of a niche market with the help of regulatory instruments.