Analysis of complementarities: Framework and examples from the energy transition


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Date

2016-10

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

Complementarities play a crucial role in socio-technical transitions as they accelerate technology development or decline. Missing complementary components in contrast may hamper the emergence of new technologies or negatively affect sector performance. In this paper, we introduce a conceptual framework to analyze complementarities and to understand their consequences for transitions. Our framework consists of four building blocks: i) different relationships, ii) different components, iii) different purposes and iv) complementarity dynamics. The latter two aspects go beyond existing concepts as they highlight the relative and dynamic nature of complementarities. We illustrate the applicability of the framework with examples from the ongoing energy transition. Finally, we discuss a series of complementarity bottlenecks and potential strategies by firms and policy makers of how to resolve these.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

111

Pages / Article No.

63 - 75

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

Methods

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Date created

Subject

Socio-technical transitions; Sectoral change; Complementary interaction; Technological innovation; Bottlenecks; Public policy

Organisational unit

03695 - Hoffmann, Volker / Hoffmann, Volker check_circle

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