Diffusion of shared goods in consumer coalitions. An agent-based model

This paper focuses on the process of coalition formation conditioning the common decision to adopt a shared good, which cannot be afforded by an average single consumer and whose use cannot be exhausted by any single consumer. An agent based model is developed to study the interplay between these two processes: coalition formation and diffusion of shared goods. Coalition formation is modelled in an evolutionary game theoretic setting, while adoption uses elements from both the Bass and the threshold models. Coalitions formation sets the conditions for adoption, while diffusion influences the consequent formation of coalitions. Results show that both coalitions and diffusion are subject to network effects and have an impact on the information flow though the population of consumers. Large coalitions are preferred over small ones since individual cost is lower, although it increases if higher quantities are purchased collectively. The paper concludes by connecting the model conceptualisation to the on-going discussion of diffusion of sustainable goods, discussing related policy implications

EU energy technology trade: Import and export

This report analyses the EU trade in low-carbon energy technologies. It shows commercial exchanges with countries outside the EU as well as trade within the EU at the level of individual Member States. Trade performances vary in relation to sectors: for some technologies the EU has a positive trade balance, while in others the EU needs to import from abroad.JRC.C.7-Knowledge for the Energy Unio

Venture Capital Financing and Green Patenting

This paper explores the role of green innovation in attracting venture capital (VC) financing. We use a unique dataset that matches information on equity transactions, companies’ balance sheet variables and data on patented innovation at the firm level over the period 2008–2017. Taking advance of a novel granular definition of green innovative activities that tracks patents at the firm level, we show that green innovators are more likely to receive VC funding compared to other equity financing than firms without green patents. Likewise, a larger share of green vs. non-green patents in a firm’s patent portfolio increases the probability of receiving VC finance with respect to other equity. Robustness checks and extensions tackling several dimensions of heterogeneity confirm the attractiveness of green patenting for VC investment

Social tipping dynamics in the energy system

This paper reviews evidence on how the fast growth in renewable energy technologies can trigger social tipping dynamics that potentially accelerate a system-wide energy transition. It does so by reviewing a variety of literature across several disciplines addressing socio-technical dimensions of energy transitions. The tipping dynamics in wind and solar power create potential for cascading effects to energy demand sectors, including household energy demand. These most likely start with shift actions and adoption of household-scale batteries and heat pumps. Key enablers are strong regulations incentivising reductions in demand and setting minimum efficiency levels for buildings and appliances. While there is evidence of spillovers to more environmentally friendly behaviour, the extent of these and the key leverage points to bring them about present a knowledge gap. Moreover, these behavioural feedback loops require strong additional policy support to “make them stick”. Understanding the economic and social tipping dynamics in a system can empower decision-makers, fostering realistic energy transition policies. This paper highlights energy communities as a promising niche for leveraging tipping dynamics. Ultimately, bridging the gap between these tipping dynamics and institutional reforms is crucial for unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy systems

Regional performance in the Research, Innovation and Competitiveness Priorities of the Energy Union

Política de acceso abierto del editor: https://data.jrc.ec.europa.eu/licence/com_reuseThe current political and economic challenges faced by the European Union and its Member States call even more for evidence-informed policies. They also require tailor-made policies, developed using highly sophis- ticated analyses based not only on country-level data, but rather on regional and sub-regional knowledge. National averages, in particular, bear the risk to present a misleading picture in countries with significant disparities between different regions and areas. Looking only at national averages can also limit and delay understanding of the differences between regions and cities – identifying leaders and laggards –, as well as prevent the identification of emerging trends in certain socio-economic indicators. Only a detailed analysis of data at regional and local level can bring these insights. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has developed the Socio-economic regional microscope. It is a new series of short periodical publications which aims to open-up new areas of analysis, and present the stories which can only be told using regional socio-economic data. Each report presents EU socio-economic indicators according to a data storytelling principle, using a combination of three key elements: data, visuals (maps), and narrative. Each indicator will therefore be represented through maps at regional level (NUTS2), and in some cases even at the NUTS3 and local level. The Socio-economic regional microscope will also show the breadth of the JRC regional analysis in a wide range of research areas: culture, economics, education, energy, healthcare, research and innovation, tourism, etc. The reports, data and maps are also available on the Territorial Dashboard website of the JRC Knowledge Centre for Territorial Policies, in the Thematic Analyses section: http://urban.jrc.ec.europa.eu/t-board/index. html#/thematic-analyses

Energy Systems

The tipping dynamics in wind and solar power create potential for cascading effects to energy demand sectors, including household energy demand. These most likely start with shiftactions and adoption of household-scale batteries and heat pumps. Key enablers are strong regulations incentivising reductions in demand and setting minimum efficiency levels for buildings and appliances. While there is evidence of spillovers to more environmentally friendly behaviour, the extent of these and the key leverage points present a knowledge gap. Moreover, these behavioural feedback loops require strong additional policy support to ‘make them stick

Materials dependencies for dual-use technologies relevant to Europe's defence sector

In order to support the European Commission in the preparation of future initiatives fostering the sustainability of strategic supply chains, this study was commissioned to assess bottlenecks in the supply of materials needed for the development of technologies important to Europe's defence and civil industries. The study focuses on five dual-use technology areas, namely advanced batteries, fuel cells, robotics, unmanned vehicles and additive manufacturing (3D printing). The technologies are preselected on the basis of a previous study (EASME, 2017) that explored the dual-use potential of key enabling technologies in which Europe should strategically invest. In addition, this report examines how these technologies could address specific military needs and their differences in relation to civil needs and identified opportunities for future defence research areas that could potentially serve as a basis for the design of research initiatives to be funded under the future European Defence Fund. Moreover, potential opportunities for common policy actions are also identified, notably: to strengthen Europe's position in the selected technologies’ supply chains; to facilitate collaboration between stakeholders; to increase industry involvement with special emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises; to improve existent legislation; and increase synergies between civil and defence sectors in order to speed up progress in promising research areas.JRC.C.7-Knowledge for the Energy Unio

Energy Systems

The tipping dynamics in wind and solar power create potential for cascading effects to energy demand sectors, including household energy demand. These most likely start with shiftactions and adoption of household-scale batteries and heat pumps. Key enablers are strong regulations incentivising reductions in demand and setting minimum efficiency levels for buildings and appliances. While there is evidence of spillovers to more environmentally friendly behaviour, the extent of these and the key leverage points present a knowledge gap. Moreover, these behavioural feedback loops require strong additional policy support to ‘make them stick

Materials dependencies for dual-use technologies relevant to Europe's defence sector

To support the European Commission in the preparation of future initiatives fostering the sustainability of strategic supply chains, this study was commissioned to assess bottlenecks in the supply of materials needed for the development of technologies important to Europe's defence and civil industries. The study focuses on five dual-use technology areas, namely advanced batteries, fuel cells, robotics, unmanned vehicles and additive manufacturing (3D printing). This report examines how these technologies could address specific military needs and their differences in relation to civil needs and identified opportunities for future defence research areas that could potentially serve as a basis for the design of research initiatives to be funded under the future European Defence Fund. Moreover, potential opportunities for common policy actions are also identified, notably: to strengthen Europe's position along the selected technologies’ supply chains, to facilitate collaboration between stakeholders, to increase industry involvement with special emphasis on SMEs, to improve existent legislation and increase synergies between civil and defence sectors to speed up progress in promising research areas.JRC.C.7-Knowledge for the Energy Unio