Navigating the Skies: The development of legitimacy of electrofuels in the aviation industry

Abstract

This thesis has examined the legitimacy of electrofuels as a sustainable fuel alternative in the aviation industry between 2017 and 2022. By applying theory on Technological Innovation Systems (TIS), TIS phase transition theory and legitimacy theory, this thesis has delivered an overview of innovation systems and legitimacy development by coding news articles and mobilising the Socio-Technical Configuration Analysis. Here, the findings included actor and concept networks and are introduced through different development phases of the innovation system.

Throughout these phases, a convergence of actor and concept networks can be perceived. This convergence indicates a partial maturation of the innovation systems. As the innovation systems have not matured in their entirety, various coalitions and divergent expectations remain present in the narrative. Especially the demand for legislation remained present in the narrative since technical challenges inhibit short-term efuel uptake. With the further increase in traction for sustainable fuels and the introduction of legislative measures that force aviation companies to generate demand for electrofuels and SAFs, future innovation system trajectories are expected to include continued sustainable fuel production and uptake. Even though expectations and storylines have converged throughout the phases, it remains unclear whether visions and expectations will fully converge in the near future.