Networks of Innovation

Dr. Peter Kedron (Oklahoma State) will present on geographic and cognitive spaces and networks of innovation

Renewable energy sources are expected to reduce dependence on conventional energy and, in the process, alter the regional organization of energy production to the benefit of society. Supported by policy, renewable energy industries continue to develop throughout the United States. However, renewable energy production is not developing independent of the existing economic system. Rather institutions, innovators, and incumbents with their own industrial histories shape the emergence of renewable energy industries. While recent academic research suggests that firms and regions with related industry experience are more likely to contribute to the development of renewable innovation, which experiences matter when and in what contexts remains understudied. This research analyzes the experience of the US biofuel industry to advance our understanding of how innovation, incumbents, and policy shape firm performance and industry development in renewable energy.