Frame conditions, innovation and growth opportunities in the energy area

Main elements of the analysis are in-depth studies of innovation dynamics and framework conditions on five selected technology areas - all strategic priority areas within Danish energy research and development. The areas are: bio energy, hydrogen technology and fuel cells, wind power technology, solar cells, and energy efficient end-use technologies. Another main element is a broad questionnaire survey across the energy sector and its different actor groups. More than 300 organisations answered the questionnaire. The main results of the project are a.o. that 1) the Danish energy innovation system and the framework conditons for development of energy technologies on many points are well-developed and not immature in general. 2) The energy technology industry is one of the most important industries in Denmark with large export and innovativeness that is higher than in the manufacturing industry in general. 3) Despite EU, internationalisation and globalisation and despite significant international connections, the energy innovation system is anchored primarily on the domestic level. Strengthening of the framework conditions and ambitious competences and goals on Danish level is therefore required to maintain a strong Danish energy technology development. 4) The technology areas differ significantly with respect to innovation dynamics, competence bases, actors, etc. and it is therefore needed that policy efforts to some extent are adjusted to the individual technology areas. Among the more detailed conclusions are e.g. that stop-go tendencies in the R and D support should be reduced; that the balance between application-based knowledge (learning-by-doing) and science-based knowledge can be improved in some of the technology areas; and that the pronounced traditions for public/private interaction and for cross-going collaboration and discussion are an important stronghold of Danish energy innovation.