Greenfleet Work Packages
Additionally, Greenfleet addresses the following sub-questions:
- What is the status of the different focal TISs and what are their particular system strengths and weaknesses? (WP1)
- What firm level strategies and industry dynamics concerning technology development, investment decisions and business models linked to LoZeCs characterize the MSS? (WP2)
- How are the focal TISs affected by 'external' contextual dynamics? (WP3)
- Given the status of focal TISs, contextual conditions and firm level strategies, what future transition pathways can lead towards a sustainable MSS? (WP4)
WP1 TIS analysis (WP leader: Teis Hansen, Lund University)
Objectives: Provide TIS analysis of focal LoZeC technologies, i.e. a mapping of structural components (actors, networks, institutions, value chains) as well as description and analysis of key processes (or functions) of the chosen TISs to unveil system strengths and weaknesses.
Methods & data: WP1 will be based on the scheme of TIS analysis described in Bergek et al. (2008), which includes suggested data sources and indicators for identifying the key structures and actors associated with the relevant LoZeC technologies and analyzing and assessing TIS functions (e.g. for resource mobilization to new technologies). Methodological approaches for TIS analysis vary for different function and include: literature review, bibliometric analysis, document analysis, ca. 10 interviews with key informants (industry experts, technical (R&D) experts, officials in key public agencies such as e.g. Innovation Norway or Enova) per focal TIS (30 in total) and a dedicated user panel workshop.
WP2 Firm capabilities and industry dynamics (WP leader: Tone Merethe Aasen, SINTEF)
Objectives: WP2 will be based on perspectives from organizational and innovation theory and the strategic management literature. It will analyze strategies and activities of firms in various value chain segments within (and outside) the MSS involved in the focal TISs, focusing on technology strategies, investment decisions, inter-firm collaboration and business models in the context of a mature industry currently subject to various potentially disruptive technologies. By empirically covering various types of firms (e.g. in buyer-supplier relations) WP2 will also provide insights on emerging LoZeC value chains and prospects for value creation.
Methods & data: Key methods in WP2 include a firm survey, interviews (with industry experts and in firm case studies), participatory observation at industry events and document studies. The survey sample will be based on user partners' (NCE Maritime CleanTech, the Norwegian Shipowner's Association, the (maritime branch of) the Federation of Norwegian Industries). The survey will thus cover various types of firms (shipowners, technology developers/suppliers, shipyards etc.) potentially involved in the focal TISs, and, importantly, also serve to provide a broad overview of how different MSS actors perceive and approach sustainability transition processes. Survey data will be combined with interviews with industry experts, document studies (e.g. technical reports) and participation at industry events. We complement the broad-based survey with case studies of approx. 10-12 companies (tentatively include 4-5 incumbents (i.e. established MSS companies), 4-5 new entrants, and 3-4 firms entering the MSS from other sectors (e.g. battery developers or biogas producers)). Case studies will be based on interviews (2-3 per case) and document studies. Access to firms for these case studies will benefit from assistance from our user panel industry partners. Moreover, SINTEF and NTNU have close interaction with Norwegian industry firms, and based on our experience, access to informants and data should not be problematic.
WP3 Context analysis (WP leader: Olav Wicken, University in Oslo)
Objectives: Provide context analysis for the three focal LoZeC technologies. This includes identifying and analyzing structural coupling and linkages between emerging TIS and the following context structures: 1) Between the different emerging TIS (which may compete, be complementary (in hybrid solutions) etc.), 2) between the focal TISs and the MSS (as well as other relevant sectoral contexts, e.g. the broader energy system, onshore transport), 3) between the focal TISs and the political context, and finally 4) between the focal TISs and geographical contexts. In reality these context are not neatly separated, nor is it necessarily straightforward to distinguish between focal TISs and context structures. Specific delineations are therefore a result of analytical choice and empirical findings. We expect that WP1 and WP2 will provide necessary guidance both to distinguishing between TISs and context structures that influence TIS functioning and to identifying "external" inducement and/or blocking mechanisms. Whether structural couplings between TISs and contexts are positive or negative can in other words not be determined a priori. The key objective in WP3 will therefore be scrutinize the contexts to which inducement and/or blocking mechanisms "belong to". Once these are identified, specific lock-in mechanisms hindering transitions processes can be unpacked.
Methods & data: WP3 draws on the extended TIS-in-context approach (Bergek et al. 2015) and broader sustainability transitions literature. The analysis will build directly on WP1 and draw on WP2, but to larger extent include interviews with other stakeholders (industry associations, policy makers, different government agencies, key actors in other sectors (e.g. utilities or biogas producers) etc.). In addition to approx. 20 interviews, methods include a user panel workshop, literature reviews and document analysis of secondary (archival) data.
WP4 Prospective analysis (WP leader: Markus Steen, SINTEF)
Objectives: Provide roadmaps for 2025 and 2040 for further development, implementation and diffusion of new LoZeC technologies in the MSS. Describe potential transition pathways towards a sustainable MSS and provide guidelines to decision makers in industry and policy on how a green shift in the MSS may be realized.
Methods & data: Drawing on insights gained in WPs 1-3 WP4 will analyze and identify potential technological and organizational development options for possible sustainable transition pathways in the MSS. We will employ a prospective socio-technical variants analysis (STVA) to identify future development options taking account of both technological and organizational features (Markard, Stadelmann, and Truffer 2009). For instance, some technologies require substantial capital investments, which thus impacts on the types of firms that are likely to take a leading role in TIS formation. However, this prospective analysis will also demand attention to how contexts may evolve. Foresight activities can help identify promising technological pathways, facilitate the creation of collective expectations and visions, generation of better problem definitions, priority settings and improved innovation system functioning through network development between firms and non-firm actors. A dedicated foresight workshop with user panel members and other invited stakeholders is an important method in WP4.
