Wind energy development in Russia: technological innovation system analysis for policy improvements

Abstract

This research aims at exploring the system mechanisms causing inducements or barriers for the wind energy development in Russia as the process of catching-up with the advanced countries. The combination of the technological innovation system (TIS) analysis and the technology transfer concepts are used to address the notion of the developing countries striving to achieve a competitive advantage and a technological leadership. The theoretical framework is suggested in this research providing a structural approach for the analysis of a technological system under study in the developing countries involved in the process of catching-up. This approach contributes to the current literature by offering a practical tool for the policy makers to assess the performance of the TIS in the developing countries. The case of the wind energy system in Russia is taken to explore the current state of the system and provide recommendations for policy improvements. It was identified that the system is presently located in the first stage of the development, which is characterised by the involvement of foreign firms in the system formation. In addition, the “entrepreneurial motor” of innovation was identified by analysing the interactions between the system functions. This motor is characterised by the local entrepreneurs being a driving force for the system formation. The pattern of functions’ interactions allowed to detect the system incentives and barriers. There is a number of incentives that induce the system development, however, the importance of them is not strong in comparison with the blocking mechanisms. In turn, the changes in the mechanisms identified that hamper the system are crucial for a system to transit to the next stage of the technological development. Even though the international system helps the formation of national system, the national system needs to create a favourable environment to exploit an emergent technological trajectory. As a result of this research the policy recommendations are designed for the system to proceed to the next stage of catching-up.