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Evolutionary Patterns of Renewable Energy Technology Development in East Asia (1990–2010)

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  • Yoonhwan Oh

    (Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea)

  • Jungsub Yoon

    (Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea)

  • Jeong-Dong Lee

    (Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea)

Abstract

This study investigates the evolutionary patterns of renewable energy technology in East Asian countries—Japan, Korea, and China—as an emerging technology where the catch-up strategy is actively taking place. To reflect the quality of technology development activities, we assess each country’s research and development (R&D) activities using patent citation analysis. The goal of this study is to overcome the limitations of prior research that uses quantitative information, such as R&D expenditures and number of patents. This study observes the process of technological catch-up and leapfrogging in the East Asian renewable energy sector. Furthermore, we find that each nation’s technology development portfolio differs depending on the composition share of technologies. Policymakers in emerging economies can use the findings to shape R&D strategies to develop the renewable energy sector and provide an alternative method of evaluating the qualitative development of technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoonhwan Oh & Jungsub Yoon & Jeong-Dong Lee, 2016. "Evolutionary Patterns of Renewable Energy Technology Development in East Asia (1990–2010)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:8:p:721-:d:74906
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    2. Yoon, Jungsub & Oh, Yoonhwan & Lee, Jeong-Dong, 2017. "The impact of policy consistency on technological competitiveness: A study on OECD countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 425-434.

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