Mobilizing innovation policy in the pursuit of net zero emissions: An evolutionary perspective

Transforming the economy to a state consistent with net-zero emissions is a very demanding task. Extensive change, i.e., innovation, in the way energy is provided, distributed, and used across all parts of society will be required. An important question, discussed in this paper, is how policy – and particularly innovation policy - can contribute to mobilize innovation for this purpose. It is pointed out that while innovation solves problems (in response to challenges), it also creates novel opportunities that policymakers may exploit to further their aims. The analysis presented in the paper shows that a global green shift, centred on production and use of renewable energy, is - greatly helped by past policies in a few countries - already well underway, and it is argued that this may create very important opportunities for policy makers in their attempts to support (and speed up) the transition. It is concluded that for policy to succeed in its aims, two elements are essential, (1) a broadly supported vision or strategy for change, exploiting the opportunities offered by the global green shift, and (2) a set of projects – or missions – aimed at addressing specific challenges of relevance for the countries in question. However, for such projects or missions to be successful, relevant stakeholders – also outside national boarders – may need to be included, challenging received innovation policy governance.