Why are old technologies persisted with after better alternatives have been invented? This book examines this question, a central concern of evolutionary economics, specifically focusing on renewable energy technologies. The concept of path dependence is used to analyse why and how technological development can become locked-in to inefficient ways of doing things. This book shows how lock-in can be avoided by the creation of new technological pathways. The chapters focus on the comparatively recent introduction of new wind turbine technologies for the generation of carbon free electricity. This case study provides valuable lessons in understanding the issues confronting inventors attempting to commercialise their new ideas in the form of innovations in the face of historically established conventional technologies. It is also set within the critical debate on climate change and the need to de-carbonise energy supplies in order to stop further man-made deterioration in the global environment. This book was originally published as a special issue of European Planning Studies.

The editors, aware of the recent work in evolutionary theory and the science of chaos and complexity, challenge the sometimes deterministic flavor of this subject. They are interested in uncovering the place of agency in these theories that take history so seriously. In the end, they are as interested in path creation and destruction as they are in path dependence. This book is compiled of both theoretical and empirical writings. It shows relatively well-known industries, such as the automobile, biotechnology, and semi-conductor industries in a new light. It also invites the reader to learn more about medical practices, wind power, lasers, and synthesizers. Primarily written for academicians, researchers, and Ph.D. students in fields related to technology management, this book is research-oriented and will appeal to all managers.

Climate change mitigation requires sustainable energy transitions, but the political dynamics of these transitions are poorly understood. This article presents a general dynamic model of energy policy with long time horizons, endogenous electoral competition, and techno-political path dependence. Calibrating the model with data on the economics of contemporary renewable energy technologies, we show that partisan ideology produces large effects on energy policy if the competing parties disagree on the importance of energy policy in general. Endogenous electoral competition further strengthens these effects, provided the electorate considers energy policy an important issue. In addition, our model displays path dependence in the specific sense that the outcome depends on the historical order of elections. The results demonstrate that political dynamics could have large effects on the development of renewable energy and carbon dioxide emissions over time.

At a time of extraordinary challenges confronting the world, this book analyses some of the profound changes occurring in the development of cities and regions. It discusses the uncertainties associated with the stalling of hyper-globalization and asks whether this creates opportunities for resurgent regional economies driven by local capabilities, resource efficiencies and domestic production. Theory and evidence on socio-economic and environmental transitions underway in many regions are brought together. Implications of the shifting balance of global power towards emerging economies in the East are explored, along with the consequences of urbanization in the global South for politics and democracy. Dilemmas surrounding migration are also discussed, including whether incomers displace local workers and depress wages, or bring benefits in the form of know-how, new technology and investment. More integrative concepts of the region and theories of regional development are analysed, recognising the role of human capital, knowledge, innovation, finance, infrastructure and institutions. This was originally published as a special issue of Regional Studies.

This book investigates the mechanisms that may stimulate or hamper the renewal of the regional industry structure. Recent years have witnessed a strong interest in, and need for, the modernization and upgrading of existing industries and the introduction of new industries. Informed by the evolutionary perspective this book argues that innovations within existing industry paths and the creation of new industries are strongly rooted in the established economic practice. Historically developed skills, existing industrial structure and regional and extra-regional networks form the basis for future regional growth. This volume consists of 11 chapters studying different aspects of regional industrial path development illustrated with cases from Norway, Sweden and Spain. The book also look into the role of policy for regional economic renewal, and argues that economic renewal is fostered by policies that incorporate both actor-based and system-based elements. Such policy mix will provide a vital push towards renewal and new path development. The chapters were originally published as a special issue in European Planning Studies.

This timely Handbook provides an excellent overview of our knowledge on the drivers, influencing factors and outcomes of energy entrepreneurship. As the world grapples with global resource crunches and fights to reap the rewards of new energy technologies, a wide space for entrepreneurialopportunity has emerged. The Handbook of Research on Energy Entrepreneurship offers critical insight on how nations the world over can make full use of those opportunities.

Implementing the Circular Economy for Sustainable Development presents the concept of the circular economy with the goal of understanding its present status and how to better implement it, particularly through environmental policies. It first tackles the definition of a circular economy in the context of sustainability and the differences in defining the concept across disciplines, including its fallibilities and practical examples. It then goes on to discuss the implementation of a circular economy, including the increasing variety of technological, mechanical, and chemical procedures to contend with and the need for stakeholder support in addition to improved business models. The second half of the book, therefore, presents tools, approaches, and practical examples of how to shape environmental policy to successfully implement a circular economy. It analyzes deficiencies of current regulations and lays the groundwork for the design of integrated environmental policies for a circular economy. Authored by an expert in environmental economics with decades of experience, Implementing the Circular Economy for Sustainable Development is a timely, practical guide for sustainability researchers and policymakers alike to move more efficiently toward a circular economy and sustainable development. Presents a clear view of the critical components, features, and issues of a circular economy Discusses a variety of practical examples from current policies in the context of a circular economy to better understand the challenges associated with its implementation Analyzes strengths and weaknesses of current environmental policies and their interactions with innovations in engineering and science