Innovation systems for technology diffusion: An analytical framework and two case studies
Journal article, 2022

Existing theories on the diffusion of innovations fail to sufficiently account for contextual factors such as institutions, infrastructure, and supply-side dynamics. This paper presents a novel framework to analyse technology diffusion from a sociotechnical systems perspective, intended as an analytical tool to identify and assess drivers and barriers to diffusion that could be addressed through policy or business strategy. This framework, referred to as the diffusion innovation system (DIS) approach, is positioned within the innovation systems literature. The framework is applied to two empirical cases of renewable energy technology diffusion in Sweden: solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power. The cases illustrate how key factors related to institutions, infrastructure, adopters, and supply co-develop over time as the technologies diffuse, hence demonstrating the merits of the framework. As these changes are both a reaction to and a cause of diffusion, the sociotechnical diffusion system develops through positive feedback loops. Although the systems' development is largely conducive of diffusion, some remaining and potential barriers are identified.

Technological transition

Renewable energy

Diffusion innovation system

Market formation

Diffusion of innovations

Value chain

Author

Alvar Palm

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Innovation and R&D Management

University of Gothenburg

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

0040-1625 (ISSN)

Vol. 182 121821

Subject Categories

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified

Information Systemes, Social aspects

DOI

10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121821

More information

Latest update

8/3/2022 9