Work

Synchronizers, amplifiers, integrators – three strategic roles of co-creating low-carbon aviation value chains

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Decarbonizing hard-to-abate-sectors (e.g., aviation) entails the development of novel technology value chains (TVCs) from scratch, likely resulting in new technological innovation systems (TISs). We build upon value chain complementarity literature to investigate the role of strategic agency in TVC development through a qualitative case-study based on Norwegian commercial aviation. We derive three actor roles – synchronizer, amplifier , and integrator – from existing literature and explore their activities and characteristics. We find that although TVC building is a collective effort, each sector plays a unique role in setting up new value chains. While focal producers mostly act as synchronizers, input and user sectors play a major amplifier role, whereas meta-value chain actors are key integrators. Moreover, from an agency perspective, our analysis shows that network breadth and actor versatility are decisive factors affecting the development of new TVCs.

Source: Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2025.100990

Authors: Martina Fantini, Julius Paul Wesche, Tomas Moe Skjølsvold

Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,610