ABSTRACT
Decarbonizing the energy system requires new technologies, whose formation and diffusion needs the attraction of supply-side actors from different sectors. Sectoral interactions are crucial and dependent on factors including contextual, technological, and firm specific characteristics. This paper examines the determinants of firm diversification towards a new technology and their role in explaining sectoral interactions for the emergence of innovations. We combine concepts from technological innovation systems, sectoral innovation system and organization studies to show that the drivers of actors’ entry have an impact on TIS formation through their effect in sectoral interactions associated with technological variety and relatedness. The development and demonstration of marine renewable energy technologies (MRET) in Portugal over the past two decades provides the empirical case. A database of 237 companies includes responses from a survey to a large part of the actors involved in MRET and potential entrants. A standard binary logit model estimates the effect of a set of drivers of firms’ entry in MRET. Results reveal the importance of the drivers impacting on the construction of an actor base and on technology improvement. We discuss the implications for the operationalization of influence in the direction of search, a key innovative process in emerging technologies.
HIGHLIGHTS
Energias renováveis marinhas abrem oportunidades para muitos setores e relações
A análise dos microfundametos permitem perceber a interação entre os setores além da criação de conhecimento nos novos sistemas de inovação tecnológicos
(Bento, N., Fontes, M., Barbosa, J.) – “Inter-sectoral relations to accelerate technological innovation systems formation: determinants of actors’ entry into marine renewable energy technologies ”. International Sustainable Transition Conference 2020 – 18-21/August – Virtual