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The critical role of informed political direction for advancing technology: The case of Swedish marine energy

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  • Andersson, Johnn
  • Perez Vico, Eugenia
  • Hammar, Linus
  • Sandén, Björn A.

Abstract

Marine energy technologies can contribute to meeting sustainability challenges, but they are still immature and dependent on public support. This paper employs the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework to analyze the development and diffusion of Swedish marine energy up until 2014. While there were promising device developers, relevant industrial capabilities, and world-class research, the system suffered from weaknesses in several important innovation processes. Finally, the analysis identifies the lack of informed political direction as a critical blocking factor and highlights its connection to domestic market potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Andersson, Johnn & Perez Vico, Eugenia & Hammar, Linus & Sandén, Björn A., 2017. "The critical role of informed political direction for advancing technology: The case of Swedish marine energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 52-64.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:101:y:2017:i:c:p:52-64
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.11.032
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    Cited by:

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    3. John Aldersey-Williams & Peter A. Strachan & Ian D. Broadbent, 2020. "Validating the “Seven Functions” Model of Technological Innovations Systems Theory with Industry Stakeholders—A Review from UK Offshore Renewables," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-21, December.
    4. Andersson, Johnn & Hellsmark, Hans & Sandén, Björn, 2021. "Photovoltaics in Sweden – Success or failure?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    5. Hojckova, Kristina & Ahlborg, Helene & Morrison, Gregory M. & Sandén, Björn, 2020. "Entrepreneurial use of context for technological system creation and expansion: The case of blockchain-based peer-to-peer electricity trading," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(8).
    6. Bhattacharya, Saptarshi & Pennock, Shona & Robertson, Bryson & Hanif, Sarmad & Alam, Md Jan E. & Bhatnagar, Dhruv & Preziuso, Danielle & O’Neil, Rebecca, 2021. "Timing value of marine renewable energy resources for potential grid applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    7. Söderholm, Patrik & Hellsmark, Hans & Frishammar, Johan & Hansson, Julia & Mossberg, Johanna & Sandström, Annica, 2019. "Technological development for sustainability: The role of network management in the innovation policy mix," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 309-323.
    8. Shuguang Liu & Jiayi Wang, 2022. "Coupling Coordination between Marine S&T Innovation and the High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy: A Case Study of China’s Coastal Provinces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-29, June.
    9. Andersson, Johnn & Hellsmark, Hans & Sandén, Björn A., 2018. "Shaping factors in the emergence of technological innovations: The case of tidal kite technology," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 191-208.

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