Abstract
In this chapter, we combine the ‘functions of innovation systems’ approach and the ‘socio-technical systems’ approach. We first consider whether seven functions of the innovation system surrounding the technology have been fulfilled: market formation, entrepreneurial activity, knowledge creation, knowledge diffusion, mobilisation of resources, presence of advocacy coalitions, and guidance of the search. We then investigate the availability of a ‘space’ for this new niche technology within the incumbent energy system. We apply our framework to the development and implementation of small urban wind turbines in the Netherlands in the period 2000–2007. We show that critical functions, such as knowledge diffusion and market formation, were underdeveloped and that serious bottlenecks were present in the incumbent energy system. Based on this case study, we formulate implications for collaboration and for policy makers.
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Notes
- 1.
Most analyses based on the functions of innovation systems do not mention these types of resources. It is nonetheless a crucial factor in the development of certain technology. The current shortage of silicon in the Japanese photovoltaic solar power innovation system is one good example.
- 2.
Because of space constraints in this chapter, we describe our analysis in a very concise manner. For a more extensive case description and analysis, see Kamp and Jerotijevic (forthcoming) or contact the author.
- 3.
The majority of the case study material was collected by Milutin Jerotijevic, an MSc student in Civil Engineering at TU Delft.
- 4.
TNO is a Dutch research institute. The abbreviation stands for Applied Scientific Research (Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek).
- 5.
ECN is a Dutch research institute. The abbreviation stands for Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (Energie onderzoekscentrum Nederland).
- 6.
S.D.E. – Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production E.I.A. – Energy Investment Deduction for profit-making organisations (Wineur, 2006a) M.E.P. – Electricity Generation Environmental Quality: applies to the total energy generated by a renewable energy installation (Wineur, 2006a)
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Interviews
– Cace, J. (2007), owner, Renewable Energy Company
– Klimbie, B. (2007), sales manager, Fortis Wind Energy
– Kloesmeijer, M. (2007), sales manager, Wind Energy Solutions
– Masselink, P. (2007), consultant, Senternovem
– Plumb, H. (2007), Assistant Professor, Architecture Faculty TU Delft
– Sidler, D. (2007), owner, Turby B.V
– Ummels, B. C. (2007), PhD, Electrical Engineering Faculty TU Delft
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Kamp, L.M. (2010). Obstacles to and Facilitators of the Implementation of Small Urban Wind Turbines in the Netherlands. In: Sarkis, J., Cordeiro, J., Vazquez Brust, D. (eds) Facilitating Sustainable Innovation through Collaboration. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3159-4_4
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