Articles

8 Items

Journal Article - Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Technology Life-cycles in the Energy Sector — Technological Characteristics and the Role of Deployment for Innovation

    Authors:
  • Tobias S Schmidt
  • Jan Ossenbrink
  • Volker H. Hoffmann
| In Press

Understanding the long-term patterns of innovation in energy technologies is crucial for technology forecasting and public policy planning in the context of climate change. This paper analyzes which of two common models of innovation over the technology life-cycle — the product-process innovation shift observed for mass-produced goods or the system-component shift observed for complex products and systems — best describes the pattern of innovation in energy technologies.

Journal Article - Minerva

Semiconductor Research Corporation: A Case Study in Cooperative Innovation Partnerships

In the study of innovation institutions, it is important to consider how different institutional models can affect a research organization in conducting or funding successful work. As an industry collaborative, Semiconductor Research Corporation provides an example of a privately funded institution that leverages the inputs of several member companies, along with federal funding, to accomplish innovation in its mission area.

Journal Article - Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

Technology Innovation and Energy

Energy technology innovation is the key to driving the technological changes that are necessary to meet the challenge of mitigating energy-related greenhouse gas emissions to avoid 'dangerous climate change.' Success in innovation requires the enhancement of public investment in the innovation process, the creation of markets for low-carbon technologies through stronger climate policies, and a continued focus on energy access and equity.

Solar panel installation in Zwickau (Saxony, Germany) in front of the Zwickau University of Applied Sciences, January 9, 2005.

Aka Photo CC

Journal Article - Research Policy

Compulsive Policy-making—The Evolution of the German Feed-in Tariff System for Solar Photovoltaic Power

| In Press

This article shows how complex interdependencies and the uncertain nature of technological change shape the process of targeted policy interventions in socio-technical systems. Toward this end, the authors analyzed the evolution of the German feed-in tariff (FIT) system for solar photovoltaic power, a highly effective and widely copied policy instrument targeted at fostering the diffusion and development of renewable energy technologies.

A woman looks at the Chinese made bullet train CRH380 series miniature models on display at an exhibition featuring the science and technology achievement in China at the National Convention Center in Beijing, March 7, 2011.

AP Photo

Journal Article - Energy Policy

The Evolution of China's National Energy RD&D Programs: The Role of Scientists in Science and Technology Decision Making

| October 2013

Since 1978, when China launched its "opening up" reform, a range of large-scale national science and technology programs have been implemented to spur economic development. Energy has received significant attention and has become a growing priority in the past years. This article analyzes the goals, management, and impact over time of China's three largest national programs: Gong Guan, 863, and 973 Programs. Using quantitative metrics to describe the input and output, by conducting semi-structured interviews with officials, scientists, and other decision makers, and by reviewing available documents as well as a case study on the coal sector, the authors examined the changes in the decision making process, particularly in regard to the role of scientists.

May 1, 2012: A train passes the Tokyo Institute of Technologies' new Environment & Energy Innovation Building, which is covered by 4,500 solar panels. Japan is shutting down its last nuclear reactor, adding urgency to calls for a green energy revolution.

AP Photo

Journal Article - Annual Review of Environment and Resources

The Energy Technology Innovation System

| November 2012

This article reviews the concept of an energy technology innovation system (ETIS). The ETIS is a systemic perspective on innovation comprising all aspects of energy transformations (supply and demand); all stages of the technology development cycle; as well as all the major innovation processes, feedbacks, actors, institutions, and networks.

A model wind turbine at the 2011 China International Industry Fair in Shanghai, Nov. 1, 2011. Shanghai Electric Group and Siemens have announced a joint venture, which includes a wind turbine manufacturing company targeting Chinese and global markets.

AP Photo

Journal Article - Energy Policy

Behind the Development of Technology: The Transition of Innovation Modes in China's Wind Turbine Manufacturing Industry

| April 2012

The market scale of China's wind turbine manufacturing industry has grown immensely. Despite China still having a limited capacity in terms of technology innovation, the institutional support has promoted the technology capability development of the wind turbine manufacturing industry. This paper explores the driving forces underlying this development by reviewing the transition of the innovation modes and the dynamic interactions among the technology capability, innovation modes, market formation, and wind energy policy. The innovation mode in China began with imitative innovation, then transitioned to cooperative innovation, and has more recently set its sights on attaining truly indigenous innovation. Public policy serves as a key driving force for the evolution of innovation modes, as well as the development of the market.

Journal Article - Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Socio-Political Evaluation of Energy Deployment (SPEED): An Integrated Research Framework Analyzing Energy Technology Deployment

| October 2008

This paper proposes a systematic, interdisciplinary framework for the integrated analysis of regulatory, legal, political, economic, and social factors that influence energy technology deployment decisions at the state level.