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The emergence of a global innovation system – a case study from the water sector

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  • Jonas Heiberg

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Switzerland)

  • Bernhard Truffer

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Switzerland)

Abstract

Innovation studies is increasingly acknowledging the multi-scalar nature of the systemic contexts, in which innovations are being developed and deployed. This paper builds on and further develops a recently proposed framework for studying global innovation systems (GIS). It aims at explaining the emergence of a GIS by outlining the specific local resource-related conditions that lead to the creation of structural couplings, i.e. actors, networks and institutions that allow for multi-scalar resource flows. Deploying a qualitative case study, the paper investigates eight demonstration sites for an innovative wastewater treatment technology in North-Western Europe. It shows how resource-related deficits lead actors to draw on resources generated outside of their local context. The paper contributes to the literature on the Geography of Transitions by highlighting the importance of resource complementarities among different local contexts, as well as the crucial role of translocal systemic intermediaries in shaping emergent GIS.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Heiberg & Bernhard Truffer, 2021. "The emergence of a global innovation system – a case study from the water sector," GEIST - Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transitions 2021(09), GEIST Working Paper Series.
    • Handle: RePEc:aoe:wpaper:2109
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    Keywords

    Global innovation systems (GIS); multi-scalar resource flows; systemic intermediaries; geography of transitions; modular water technologies;
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