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Functional evolution and accumulation of technological innovation systems: The case of renewable energy in East Africa

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  • Aschalew D. Tigabu
  • Frans Berkhout
  • Pieter van Beukering

Abstract

This paper compares the historical development of innovation systems related to biogas and improved cooking stove technologies in Rwanda and Kenya by applying the ‘functions approach’. It argues that the accumulation of functions in these four renewable energy technological innovation systems (TISs) differed substantially. We find that the accumulation of TIS functions at early stages of development is determined more by national and international contextual factors than by specificities related to technologies or internal dynamics (interaction of functions). Further examination of the functional patterns of TISs suggests that differences in the accumulation rates of functions explain the differences in diffusion rates, with broader and more balanced TIS functional accumulation being related to higher diffusion rates. The paper concludes that systematic support, including well-directed international development assistance, would enable the development of mature and balanced TISs that nurture the diffusion of renewable energy technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Aschalew D. Tigabu & Frans Berkhout & Pieter van Beukering, 2015. "Functional evolution and accumulation of technological innovation systems: The case of renewable energy in East Africa," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 42(5), pages 614-631.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:42:y:2015:i:5:p:614-631.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/scipol/scu073
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    Cited by:

    1. Pries, Fred & Talebi, Alireza & Schillo, R. Sandra & Lemay, Margaret A., 2016. "Risks affecting the biofuels industry: A US and Canadian company perspective," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 93-101.
    2. Tigabu, Aschalew & Berkhout, Frans & van Beukering, Pieter, 2017. "Development aid and the diffusion of technology: Improved cookstoves in Kenya and Rwanda," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 593-601.
    3. Schaube, P. & Ise, A. & Clementi, L., 2022. "Distributed photovoltaic generation in Argentina: An analysis based on the technical innovation system framework," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    4. De Oliveira, Luiz Gustavo Silva & Negro, Simona O., 2019. "Contextual structures and interaction dynamics in the Brazilian Biogas Innovation System," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 462-481.
    5. Bensch, Gunther & Kluve, Jochen & Stöterau, Jonathan, 2021. "The market-based dissemination of energy-access technologies as a business model for rural entrepreneurs: Evidence from Kenya," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).

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