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Technical Change Theory and Learning Curves: Patterns of Progress in Electricity Generation Technologies

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  • Tooraj Jamasb

Abstract

Better understanding of the role of learning in technical progress is important for the development of innovation theory and technology policy. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the effect of learning and technical change in electricity generation technologies. We use simultaneous two-factor learning and diffusion models to estimate the effect of learning by doing and learning by research on technical progress for a range of technologies in four stages of development. We find learning patters broadly in line with the perceived view of technical progress. The results generally show higher learning by research than learning by doing rates. Moreover, we do not find any development stage where learning by doing is stronger than learning by research. We show that simple learning by doing curves overstate the effect of learning in particular for newer technologies. Finally, we find little substitution potential between learning by doing and research for most technologies.

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  • Tooraj Jamasb, 2007. "Technical Change Theory and Learning Curves: Patterns of Progress in Electricity Generation Technologies," The Energy Journal, , vol. 28(3), pages 51-72, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:28:y:2007:i:3:p:51-72
    DOI: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol28-No3-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stine Grenaa Jensen, 2004. "Reducing costs of emerging renewable energy technologies – an analysis of the dynamic development with wind power as case study," International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(1/2), pages 179-202.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bello, Saheed & Reiner, David, 2025. "Experience curve analyses for green hydrogen technology development," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    2. Maharjan, Prapti & Hauck, Mara & Kirkels, Arjan & Buettner, Benjamin & de Coninck, Heleen, 2024. "Deriving experience curves: A structured and critical approach applied to PV sector," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    3. Saheed Bello & David M Reiner, 2024. "Experience curves for electrolysis technologies," Working Papers EPRG2420, Energy Policy Research Group, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
    4. Bello, S. & Reiner, 2024. "Experience Curves for Electrolysis Technologies," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2476, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    5. Toribio-Ramirez, D.A. & van der Zwaan, B.C.C. & Detz, R.J. & Faaij, A., 2025. "A review of methods to analyze technological change in industry," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).

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