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Barriers and drivers for technology commercialization by SMEs in the Dutch sustainable energy sector

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  • Meijer, L.L.J.
  • Huijben, J.C.C.M.
  • van Boxstael, A.
  • Romme, A.G.L.

Abstract

To enable the transition to renewable and sustainable energy systems, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) can successfully commercialize new technologies, yet doing so is highly challenging. Moreover, governmental policy makers tend to support measures for early-stage ventures or university spin-offs, based on the assumption that sustainable energy technologies primarily arise from early-stage technology development. Attention has recently been shifting to SMEs, which can help accelerate the energy transition. By combining a literature review with an explorative multiple case study of 20 SMEs in the Dutch sustainable energy sector, this article identified barriers and drivers for technology commercialization by SMEs. A country-specific barrier is the large consumption of natural gas by Dutch households, which strongly inhibits the successful scale-up of new technologies. The study found several managerial, financial, technological and policy-related barriers and drivers which affect technology commercialization of sustainable energy technologies by SMEs. These barriers and drivers were further assessed in an actor-based analysis, which suggests that the various barriers and drivers arise from the interactions between policy makers, industry partners and end-users. The paper also discusses the policy implications of the barriers and drivers identified, and outlines several challenges for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Meijer, L.L.J. & Huijben, J.C.C.M. & van Boxstael, A. & Romme, A.G.L., 2019. "Barriers and drivers for technology commercialization by SMEs in the Dutch sustainable energy sector," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 114-126.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:112:y:2019:i:c:p:114-126
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.05.050
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