Abstract
The literature on catch-up cycles has not yet systematically conceptualized how catch-up dynamics
differ between the various industries that are emerging in the green techno-economic paradigm. We
address this gap by connecting catch-up cycle theory with an industry typology from global innovation
systems (GISs) literature, which distinguishes four generic industry types with footloose, spatially
sticky, market-, and production-anchored innovation system characteristics. Catch-up patterns in
early industry lifecycle stages are expected to systematically differ between these four industry types.
This assumption is explored based on a comparative case study of the solar photovoltaics, wind
power, solar water heaters, and membrane bioreactors industries, each of which exemplifies one of
the four generic GIS configurations. We find that the speed and disruptiveness of early leadership
changes differ significantly between the four industries, and that the effectiveness of capability
upgrading strategies and catching-up policies are contingent on the innovation and valuation characteristics
of each industry's underlying GIS type.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
Journal | Industrial and Corporate Change |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |