Innovation System Wind Energy Industry

Robert Gnauck

Master's thesis

Innovation Management in the Wind Power Industry

Abstract:

The wind industry has arrived at a state of technological maturity and is occasionally already today cost-competitive to conventional sources of energy. This thesis investigates the process of innovation that took place within the industry. A theoretical background into economical theory of innovation together with a status quo assessment of today's wind industry serves as introduction to the topic. In the analytical part, inducement mechanisms and functions of technological development will be identified as crucial drivers for innovation within the sector. The key findings of this thesis lead to conclude that it is now the responsibility of the industry to becoming fully cost-competitive to conventional sources. The advancement of technological lifecycle will primarily depend on turbine manufacturers and their capability to drive innovation more independently from governments.

Abstract:

The wind industry has arrived at a state of technological maturity and is occasionally already today cost-competitive to conventional sources of energy. This thesis investigates the process of innovation that took place within the industry. A theoretical background into economical theory of innovation together with a status quo assessment of today's wind industry serves as introduction to the topic. In the analytical part, inducement mechanisms and functions of technological development will be identified as crucial drivers for innovation within the sector. The key findings of this thesis lead to conclude that it is now the responsibility of the industry to becoming fully cost-competitive to conventional sources. The advancement of technological lifecycle will primarily depend on turbine manufacturers and their capability to drive innovation more independently from governments.

Keywords

Renewable Energy, Innovation System, Wind Power Industry

Keywords

Innovation System, Renewable Energy, Wind Power Industry

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 1. 9. 2011

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 31. 1. 2013
• Supervisor: Jiří Hnilica
• Reader: Jakl Martina

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management