Lessons for the formulation and execution of mission-oriented innovation policy A comparative case study of regional energy strategies in the Netherlands

Abstract

This study aimed to provide lessons that could help improve future mission formulation and mission execution. Literature on Mission-oriented Innovation Policy (MIP) was used to help determine what practices can be used on a regional level to decrease the characteristics of wickedness regarding mission formulation and mission execution. This study focused on the mission to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 49% in 2030, compared to 1990 levels. For the regional level, the Dutch Regional Energy Strategy (RES) program has been the focus. This study performed a comparative case study analysis of three regions within the pilot RES program, namely Friesland, Midden-Holland and West-Brabant.

To guide the research and analysis of the results, a conceptual framework was constructed. The framework consisted of the characteristics of wickedness; 1) contestation, 2) complexity and 3) uncertainty for mission formulation as well as mission execution. Through literature, important aspect of MIP were identified and used as building blocks. These building blocks were; 1) diverse stakeholder engagement, 2) impact and measurement, 3) portfolio of instruments and 4) flexible and proactive management. These building blocks for more successful MIP were used to conceptually understand how the regions tried to overcome the characteristics of wickedness. This research has contributed to the theory by extending the theoretical insights on the building blocks for successful MIP. Additionally, this study focused on a feedback loop. By reflecting on the effects that experimentation and learning processes and external processes had on the level of wickedness, this study explored which activities are important for effectively building up a feedback loop.

Ultimately, this study has provided managerial implications in the form of 13 generic tentative lessons that were focused on improving mission formulation, mission execution and the buildup of a feedback loop to overcome the characteristics of wickedness.