Policy drivers and barriers for sustainable innovation

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources
Not Energy Related
Other Power and Storage Technologies(Energy storage)
Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Environmental, social and economic impacts)

Basic and strategic applied research

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Economics and Econometrics)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Business and Management Studies)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Politics and International Studies)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)

Professor PJG Pearson
Architecture
Cardiff University

Standard

ESRC

01 October 2002

31 December 2004

27 months

£210,007

No relevance to Underpinning Sectors

Wales

ESRC Energy

Professor PJG Pearson, Architecture, Cardiff University

Professor D Anderson (Dec'd), Centre for Energy Policy and Technology, Imperial College London
Dr TJ Foxon, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds
Prof R Gross, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
Professor M Grubb, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
Prof M Leach, Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey
Mr Z Makuch, Centre for Energy Policy and Technology, Imperial College London
Dr S Mourato, Department of Geography and Environment, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Prof C Thirtle, Centre for Energy Policy and Technology, Imperial College London

Objectives not supplied

This project investigated the role of policy and regulatory instruments in promoting or inhibiting the innovation and take up of more sustainable technologies and processes. By undertaking theoretical analysis and gathering empirical evidence through case studies and stakeholder workshops, the project produced process guidelines for the development of improved policy processes and of better mixes of policy instruments for promoting sustainable innovation. Two case studies were undertaken. Thefirst examined the influence of policies on the innovation of low carbon technologies in the UK, and included contributions from a project team member (Foxon) to ongoing policy processes relating to innovation in UK renewable energy technology systems. The second case study focussed on EC policy-making processes relating to alternative technologies as energy sources for vehicles, taking advantage of direct involvement by a project team member (Makuch) in consultations and ongoing revisions ofthe EC Batteries and Accumulators Directive (Batteries Directive) including the Extended Impact Assessment process and the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive. Four stakeholder workshops were held during theproject, involving both national and international representatives of the policy-making, business, NGO and academic communities. Policy-making frameworks in the UK were compared with those in other European countries, notably the Dutch Transition Approach, including interactions with policy-makers in these countries and at the European Commission (EC). Based on the theoretical developments and evidence gathered during the project, sustainable innovation policy process guidance was produced and tested at the later stakeholder workshops. This guidance describes and discusses five guiding principles, including the development of a more integrated mix of policy processes, measures and instruments. The guidance is outlined in a report for policy-makers whichwas formally launchedata seminar organised by the HEED (Heterodox Economics for Environment and Development) Network at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on 14th April 2005.

10/11/09