Norwegian PV industry in a regional perspective

What is it about?

This paper seeks to complement existing analyses of technological innovation systems by drawing on the regional innovation system approach to analyse the spatially differentiated development of solar PV industry in Norway. The historical account of the Norwegian PV industry and network analyses of its knowledge dynamics display a marked spatial pattern of both intra and inter-regional industrial development.

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Why is it important?

The article shows that the Norwegian PV industry drew on knowledge spillovers from incumbent process industries through related variety. While the resulting spatial unevenness perhaps facilitated the built-up of industry, it also contributed to considerable limitations and challenges on the longer term. The Norwegian policy supporting the emerging PV industry was oriented towards the supply-side and neglected the domestic and near markets.