Latecomer strategies for catching-up: the cases of renewable energies and the LED programme Online publication date: Tue, 04-Sep-2007
by John A. Mathews
International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development (IJTLID), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2007
Abstract: Traditional industrial development pathways, that did not take into explicit consideration the issue of energy technologies to be utilised, now imperil development prospects around the world. Energy security, global climate change and the tasks of industrial development now combine to create a setting where initiatives such as global action on biofuels assume new significance. This paper argues that in order for biofuels to be taken up seriously by developing countries, they need to view the development process through the prism of 'technological learning' and the institutions of technology leverage – technological adoption, adaptation and diffusion – that are required. The strategy of identifying and seizing latecomer advantages is essential for such an enterprise to succeed. The specific case of Light Emitting Diode (LED)–based lighting initiatives being promoted in villages in Africa illustrates the issues involved.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development (IJTLID):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com