Energy efficient and low-carbon technology in process industries: Innovation, diffusion and the role of public policy

Abstract

Abstract--This paper addresses the role of public policy in influencing technological innovation and diffusion in the energyintensive process industries (e.g., pulp and paper, iron and steel etc.). We highlight in particular technologies that either reduce the industry's energy use or imply lower process emissions of carbon dioxide. This research scope is motivated due both to its societal relevance and the fact that it raises a number of important scientific challenges and controversies. Specifically, the paper discusses the role of two different theoretical perspectives for orienting the analysis of issues in technology policy: the neoclassical and the evolutionary approaches. The overall objectives of the paper are to: (a) provide a conceptual comparison of these theoretical approaches and their implications for the role and the design of policy intervention; and (b) discuss some relevant implications for spurring innovation processes by examining the experiences of two existing policies and one future technological challenge (CCS) in the Swedish process industries.

R&D policy instruments – a critical review of what we do and don’t know

“…There are a few are assessments focussing on a specific field or sector (e.g. Rip & Nederhof, 1986;Bressers, 1988;Parry, 1995Parry, & 2003Carew, 2005;Shapira & Wang, 2007;Fier & Heneric, 2009;Mansikkasalo & Söderholm, 2012) or a specific country or region (Larsen, 2000;Kuhlmann, 2003;Sanz-Menéndez & Cruz-Castro, 2005;Hoegselius, 2008;Persson, 2008;Sandhu & Anghel, 2010), but with these it is less clear how far one can generalise from that particular case.…”

Contributing to differentiated technology policy-making on the promotion of energy efficiency technologies in heavy industrial sector: a case study of China

“…However, there is little empirical and theoretical consensus on the choice of specific promotion policy instruments (Mickwitz et al, 2008), and evaluations show that many of the existing policies lack sensitivity and efficiency in practice (Mansikkasalo and Soderholm, 2012). Failure of the policies mainly stems from the insufficient consideration of the factors influencing technology promotion effects.…”

“…Due to the existence of various barriers, the diffusion of EETs is not only a simple technical issue, but is also largely influenced by policy incentives (Mansikkasalo and Soderholm, 2012;Geng et al, 2013). Appropriate policy-making to stimulate the popularization and the application of EETs is of great importance.…”