Complexity challenges for transition policy: lessons from coastal shipping in Norway
Journal article, 2023

This policy briefing discusses decarbonization policies of “hard-to-abate” sectors, emphasizing the implications of these sectors’ complexity. Specifically, we discuss two sources of complexity: (a) heterogeneity in the form of variation across and within technologies and user segments and (b) interdependencies between technologies (within and between their value chains) and between user segments and adopter groups. Based on research on coastal shipping in Norway, a global frontrunner in decarbonization of this sector, we suggest three guiding principles for developing policy mixes for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors: (1) employ technology-specific policies but aim at broad sectoral or general policies when suitable, (2) consider value chain interdependency and user segment heterogeneity when prioritizing technologies and user segments, and (3) translate (rather than transfer) successful policies to other settings (e.g. user segments).

Sustainability transition

Hard-to-abate sectors

Complexity

Alternative fuels

Policy mix

Transformative innovation policy

Author

Anna Bergek

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics

Teis Hansen

SINTEF

University of Copenhagen

Jens Hanson

SINTEF

Tuukka Mäkitie

SINTEF

Markus Steen

SINTEF

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

22104224 (ISSN) 22104232 (eISSN)

Vol. 46 100687

Greening the Fleet – Sustainability Transitions in the Maritime Shipping Sector (Greenfleet)

The research council of Norway (268166/E20), 2017-03-01 -- 2020-09-30.

Subject Categories (SSIF 2011)

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Information Systemes, Social aspects

Environmental Sciences

DOI

10.1016/j.eist.2022.100687

More information

Latest update

3/5/2025 2