Title: Solar eclipse: The rise and 'dusk' of the Dutch PV innovation system

Authors: Simona O. Negro; Véronique Vasseur; Wilfried G.J.H.M. Van Sark; Marko P. Hekkert

Addresses: Department of Innovation Studies, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands ' International Centre for Integrated Assessment and Sustainable Development, University Maastricht, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands ' Department of Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands ' Department of Innovation Studies, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands

Abstract: In this paper, we take the theoretical perspective of innovation system dynamics and apply this to Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy technology in the Netherlands. The history of the development of the PV innovation system is analysed in terms of seven key processes that are essential for the build-up of innovation systems. We show that large fluctuations are present in the processes related to guidance of the search and market formation. Surprisingly, entrepreneurial activities are not too much affected by fluctuating market formation activities. We relate this to market formation in neighbouring countries and discuss the implications for policy making.

Keywords: photovoltaic technology; innovation motors; system dynamics; Holland; Netherlands; key processes; innovation systems; process fluctuations; market formation; entrepreneurial activities; fluctuating activities; Germany; policy making; management; solar energy; renewable energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2012.046923

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2012 Vol.12 No.2/3, pp.135 - 157

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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