DOI
10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118182

Summary
This study is concerned with the fuel cell sector in Taiwan. Chou et al., apply a Technological Innovation System (TIS) approach to the analysis of this energy sector and how Taiwan have engaged with universities, research institutes and firms to work on R&D and entrepreneurial opportunities. This article looks at the strengths, weaknesses, problems and challenges of Taiwan’s fuel cell innovation system. The authors begin the article by making comment on the growing industry and awareness of green innovation and concern for climate change. They give a brief background literature review of fuel cell innovation systems and make reference to successful German, US and Dane efforts in this field of renewable technology.

The authors state that the study goal is explore (1) What institutional and industrial mechanisms are comprised in the Taiwanese fuel cell innovation system, and (2) What are the firms’ strategies in order to survive and evolve in the emerging fuel cell TIS in Taiwan.

The article then focusses on detailed literature of fuel cell innovation, radical innovation and resistance from incumbent actors, technological innovation systems and functional analysis of the TIS. The methodology implored includes qualitative research and an embedded case study from the Taiwanese fuel cell industry. Data collection included the use of one authors connections (6 years’ experience in the Taiwanese sector in question) to gain access to relevant actors for the purpose of interviews. Data was also collected from public press and archived company materials. Data analysis involved the assessment of the system functions in accordance with Suurs et al’s 7 functions and weakness and strength analysis. Chou et al discuss the fuel cell innovation system, referencing the 7 functions as they do so in section 5. 

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This study is relevant to complex systems knowledge in the form of energy systems. The Taiwanese fuel cell innovation sector is assessed under a case study methodology making it useful as a case study example, particularly for the strengths and weaknesses identified.

The Technological Innovation System (TIS) approach is utilised here and could be seen as a good example for systems thinking analysis.

Point of Strength
There are no particular or stand out strong points of this study, although as whole, it contributes to the various other TIS publications reviewed under the energy systems topic. However, the fuel cell innovation sector is a less common publication in the various other TIS topics.