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Productivity of innovation in biofuel technologies

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  • Arnold, Michelle
  • Tainter, Joseph A.
  • Strumsky, Deborah

Abstract

Biofuels are a regular focus of public policy. The productivity of innovation in biofuel technologies is rarely addressed either in research or policy. Yet as innovation in any field grows complex and costly it can experience reductions in productivity and diminishing returns to investments. We examine here the productivity of investments in the technologies used to produce biofuels, using data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The results show that the productivity of innovation in biofuel technologies is declining. Continuation of this trend will in time force reductions in research investments in biofuel technologies. We discuss policy approaches to address declining returns to research investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnold, Michelle & Tainter, Joseph A. & Strumsky, Deborah, 2019. "Productivity of innovation in biofuel technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 54-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:124:y:2019:i:c:p:54-62
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2018.09.005
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    5. Lin, Cherng-Yuan & Lu, Cherie, 2021. "Development perspectives of promising lignocellulose feedstocks for production of advanced generation biofuels: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    6. Noe Aguilar Rivera, 2022. "Sustainable Biofuels. Strategy for Growth and Energy Security," Remef - Revista Mexicana de Economía y Finanzas Nueva Época REMEF (The Mexican Journal of Economics and Finance), Instituto Mexicano de Ejecutivos de Finanzas, IMEF, vol. 17(3), pages 1-29, Julio - S.
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    8. Elina Bryngemark & Patrik Söderholm, 2022. "Green industrial policies and domestic production of biofuels: an econometric analysis of OECD countries," Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, Springer;Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies - SEEPS, vol. 24(2), pages 225-261, April.

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