Title: Socio-technical analysis of the introduction of wind power in the Netherlands and Denmark

Authors: Linda M. Kamp

Addresses: Delft University of Technology, Technology Dynamics & Sustainable Development Department, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: Why was Denmark more successful in the introduction of wind power than the Netherlands? In this paper, we analyse both development processes. Our analytical framework consists of a combination of the socio-technical systems approach, which points at the importance of the openings that must be present at both the niche level: the regime level and the landscape level, for an innovation to be successful, and the innovation system approach. From this latter approach, we use the insight of functions that an innovation system needs to fulfil to be successful: entrepreneurial activities, knowledge development, knowledge diffusion, guidance of the search, market formation, resources mobilisation and support from advocacy coalitions. The socio-technical system viewpoint reveals the importance of explanatory factors outside the wind power innovation system. The function approach points at detailed explanatory factors within the wind power innovation system. We end with a discussion on our analytical framework and policy recommendations.

Keywords: Denmark; functions; innovation systems; socio-technical systems; Netherlands; wind power; wind energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2008.019038

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.9 No.2/3, pp.276 - 293

Published online: 27 Jun 2008 *

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