Functions of innovation systems as a framework to understand sustainable technological change: empirical evidence for earlier claims

Understanding the emergence of innovation systems is recently put central in research analysing the process of technological change. Especially the key-activities that are important for the build up of an innovation system receive much attention. These are labeled ‘functions of innovation systems’. In most cases the authors apply this framework without questioning its validity. This paper builds on five empirical studies, related to renewable energy technologies, to test whether the functions of innovation systems framework is a valid framework to analyse processes of technological change. We test the claim that a specific set of functions is suitable. We also test whether the claim made in previous publications that the interactions between system functions accelerate innovation system emergence and growth is valid. Both claims are confirmed.

Cumulative causation in the formation of a technological innovation system: The case of biofuels in the Netherlands

Despite its worldwide success, the innovation systems approach is often criticized for being theoretically underdeveloped. This article aims to contribute to the conceptual and methodical basis of the (technological) innovation systems approach. We propose an alteration that improves the analysis of dynamics, especially with respect to emerging innovation systems. We do this by expanding on the technological innovation systems and system functions literature, and by employing the method of 'event history analysis'. By mapping events, the interactions between system functions and their development over time can be analysed. Based on this it becomes possible to identify forms of positive feedback, i.e. cumulative causation. As an illustration of the approach, we assess the biofuels innovation system in The Netherlands as it evolved from 1990 to 2005.

Understanding the build-up of a Technological Innovation System around Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

This study provides insight into the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the Netherlands (1980-2007). This is done by applying a Technological Innovation System (TIS) approach. This approach takes the perspective that a technology is shaped by a surrounding network of actors, institutions and technologies. When a technology is in an early stage of development, a TIS has yet to be built up in order to propel technological progress. This paper focuses on the historical build-up of the hydrogen and fuel cell innovation system in the Netherlands. The research focuses on processes that accelerated or slowed down the developments of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. We suggest that this framework is helpful for actors who intend to accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells in other countries.fuel cell; technological innovation system; system functions; cumulative causation.

Contemporary Innovation Policy and Instruments: Challenges and Implications

In this paper we review major theoretical (neoclassical economics, evolutionary, systemic and knowledge-based) insights about innovation and we analyse their implications for the characteristics of contemporary innovation policy and instruments. We show that the perspectives complement each other but altogether reveal the need to redefine the current general philosophy as well as the modes of operationalisation of contemporary innovation policy. We argue that systemic instruments ensuring proper organisation of innovation systems give a promise of increased rates and desired (more sustainable) direction of innovation.systemic instruments, innovation policy, innovation theory, policy mix, innovation system, sustainability

Flexible transition strategies towards future well-to-wheel chains: an evolutionary modelling approach

Well to wheel (WTW) analyses mainly focus on alternative road fuel/vehicle systems that are very different from the current crude oil based individual transport system. A large share of WTW chains evaluated require changes in the energy source, new fuel production facilities, different fuel distribution systems and also modifications of the vehicles. An immediate transition to such a new system would be an unprecedented technological discontinuity. Historical examples of successful technological changes are characterized by stepwise transitions of subsystems. In this paper, we present a model that identifies likely sequences of stepwise transitions in analogy to the fitness landscape model in evolutionary biology. Applying this methodology allows for a dynamic interpretation of otherwise static WTW information. We show that sequences of transitions are path dependent, so that current decisions predetermine the future WTW system. We, therefore, argue that flexible initial transition steps that allow for different transition paths later on are favorable. Results suggest that improvements of vehicle technologies are most flexible if decision makers focus on decreasing WTW energy requirements. A full transition to diesel, as a first step, is advisable if WTW greenhouse gases should be reduced.Alternative fuels, Hydrogen, Lock-in, Fitness-landscape

A complex systems methodology to transition management

There is a general sense of urgency that major technological transitions are required for sustainable development. Such transitions are best perceived as involving multiple transition steps along a transition path. Due to the path dependent and irreversible nature of innovation in complex technologies, an initial transition step along some preferred path may cut off paths that later may turn out to be more desirable. For these reasons, initial transition steps should allow for future flexibility, where we define flexibility as robustness regarding changing evidence and changing preferences. We propose a technology assessment methodology that identifies the flexibility of initial transition steps in complex technologies. We illustrate our methodology by an empirical application to 2646 possible future car systems.NK-model, complexity, flexibility, irreversibility, path dependence, transition path, transition management, sustainable development, car technology

Understanding the formative stage of Technological Innovation System development. The case of natural gas as an automotive fuel

This study contributes to insights into mechanisms that influence the successes and failures of emerging energy technologies. It is assumed that for an emerging technology to fruitfully develop, it should be fostered by a Technological Innovation System (TIS), which is the network of actors, institutions and technologies in which it is embedded. For an emerging technology a TIS has yet to be built up. The research focuses on the dynamics of this build-up process by mapping the development of seven key activities: so-called system functions. The main contribution revolves around the notion of cumulative causation, or the phenomenon that the build-up of a TIS may accelerate due to system functions reinforcing each other over time. As an empirical basis, an analysis is provided of the historical development of the TIS around automotive natural gas technology in the Netherlands (1970-2007). The results show that this TIS undergoes a gradual build-up in the 1970s, followed by a breakdown in the 1980s and, again, a build-up from 2000-2007. It is shown that, underlying these trends, there are different forms of cumulative causation, here called motors of innovation. The study provides strategic insights for practitioners that aspire to support such motors of innovation.functions of technological innovation systems; cumulative causation; automotive natural gas.

How Does the Innovation System in the Spanish Ceramic Tile Sector Function?

The industrial district of Castellon is characterized by a great dynamism based on technological innovation, both product and process, the origins of which are to be found on its providers (1), the machinery industry and the frit, glaze and colours industry. In this paper the current situation of the frit, glaze and colour industry is analyzed, accounting also for the situation of its main European competitor in Italy. The formation and development of the industry is also described in relation to the industrial district and the innovation system where it belongs, together with the R&D activity, the innovation activity, and the main technological milestones that have made it become the world leader. The analysis shows the challenges to which this subsector, and more generally, the tile innovation system need to react to, by means of cooperation, in order to maintain the tile district leadership. Globalization implies new behaviours and one of the most relevant is the increase of cooperation among the different actors in the innovation system

Трансформационный подход к разработке программных архитектур на основе нечетких графовых моделей

Abstract Novel technologies often face difficulties in market uptake, especially when they differ significantly from already established technologies. In some cases, like personalized medicine, new technologies are composed of a number of parallel emerging technologies – in our case therapeutics and corresponding diagnostics – that are heavily co-dependent and cannot diffuse without each other. Therefore, actors in an innovation system need to engage themselves in complex system building strategies in order to create a more favorable environment for their emerging technologies. The bodies of literature on system building and innovation ecosystems have little overlap so far. In this article, we show how system building in a technological innovation system depends on different framework conditions in creating a market for personalized cancer therapeutics and corresponding companion diagnostics in England — such as technological complementarities, timing strategies and organizational complexity. Using this case we illustrate how notions from the literature on innovation ecosystems can complement the current system building literature

Beauty in efficiency: An experimental enquiry into the principle of maximum effect for minimum means

Theory and discourse suggest that the aesthetic appreciation of a wide range of artifacts—including works of art and consumer products—is partially governed by the principle of maximum effect for minimum means. We conducted two studies to find experimental evidence of this principle in the context of product design. In Study 1, we tested the hypothesis that the aesthetic appreciation of a product would be positively affected by the perception of the product as the minimum means achieving the maximum effect. Encouraged by the results of this study, we conducted Study 2 to test again the principle of maximum effect for minimum means using a more controlled experimental design. Our findings provide support for our hypothesis, indicating that the aesthetic appreciation of a product depends, to some extent, on the perception that the product achieves more than other products from its category by making an efficient use of resources.This research is part of Project UMA, which is supported by the MAGW VICI grant number 453-10-004 awarded to Paul Hekkert by The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from SAGE via https://doi.org/10.1177/027623741663848