Technological variety in innovation systems: the role of actors, networks, resources and institutions
Year: 2013
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This research aims to show how attributes of subsidized innovation projects of collaborating actors within an innovation system are related to the extent a projects adds to technological variety. We assume that within the innovation system, different technological varieties can be distinguished at different places in the system. These places are often collaborative innovation projects, that can be supported by government subsidies to overcome network failure. We conceptualize the innovation system to consist of an institutional environment with networks of collaborating actors in which resources are exchanged. These elements are used to predict technological variety of a project. Empirically, we study the Dutch technological innovation system around biogas technology. Our results show that regulative institutions in the form of project subsidies that stimulate collaboration contribute to technological variety. However, the more projects are related to each other through shared actors, the less likely they are to contribute to technological variety. Finally, more diversity of actors and resources contributes to technological variety, while including more partners in a project is negatively related to technological variety.
Institution: Utrecht University
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2165074849