Creation and Adoption of Energy-related Innovations
Creation and Adoption of Energy-related Innovations
The aim of this project is to extend our knowledge about the drivers and consequences of both the adoption and creation of energy-saving and more generally energy-related innovation. Based on a firm-level analysis comparing three countries - Austria, Germany and Switzerland - the project deals with five research questions:
- determinants of the adoption and diffusion of energy-related innovations based on technology diffusion theory including motives, obstacles and policy measures;
- link between technology adoption and environmental performance (e.g., CO2 reduction);
- link between the adoption of energy-related technologies and firm performance;
- drivers of the creation of energy-related innovation;
- relationship between the creation of energy-related innovation and firm performance.
The empirical part of the project rests on a dedicated firm survey conducted in all three countries at the same time using the same survey methodology in terms of sampling design and questionnaire. In this way the data allow to compare the effects of national differences in energy-related policies on the firms’ decision to develop and adopt energy technologies. The analyses contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of policy measures for the diffusion of new energy technologies and the performance implications of these policies.
This research project is part of the National Research Programme "Managing Energy Con-sumption" (NRP 71) of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Further information on the National Research Programme can be found at www.nrp71.ch.
