Title: Interactive learning and technology transfer in wind energy. Dynamics and policy implications

Authors: Pedro Varela-Vázquez; María Del Carmen Sánchez-Carreira

Addresses: Faculty of Economics and Business, Innovation, Structural Change and Development (ICEDE) Group, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Galicia, Spain ' Faculty of Economics and Business, Innovation, Structural Change and Development (ICEDE) Group, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Galicia, Spain

Abstract: Technology transfer and interactive learning are two key mechanisms to upgrade wind sectors in peripheral regions. Interactive learning involves bidirectional knowledge flows with beneficial outcomes for participants and the overall sector through a closed interaction within value chains. The main aim of this paper is to analyse the main features, drivers and outcomes of interactive learning in peripheral wind sector, as well as its coexistence with technology transfer schemes. For this purpose, two industrial partnerships are analysed in the Galician wind sector (Spain). The methodology is based on interviews with the main stakeholders involved in the partnerships. Empirical evidences underline supply-base capabilities and regional bidding procedures as key drivers of partnerships and the beneficial outcomes for the auxiliary industry of reciprocal technology learning process. Likewise, technology learning process could lead to diversifying firm core activities and making easier autonomous internalisation strategies.

Keywords: interactive learning; technology transfer; wind energy; policy implications; case-study; technology learning; Galicia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2017.091302

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.20 No.5/6, pp.356 - 373

Received: 27 Feb 2017
Accepted: 05 Feb 2018

Published online: 23 Apr 2018 *

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