DOI
10.1016/j.rser.2013.05.045

Summary
This paper is concerned with offshore wind innovation projects. Wieczorek et al use the Technological Innovations System (TIS) approach to a assess the system. Innovation system theory (4 components) and TIS are described in section 2.  

The study focussed on the U.K, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany. The authors assess the functionality of the innovation systems on qualitative and quantitative data from various publication types as well as conducting interviews with over 30 stakeholders on their perception of the TIS’s efficiencies. Based on the research conducted, they score the 4 innovation systems using a 5-tier scale from absent (1) to excellent (5).

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
Innovation system functioning was assessed under the headings:

Experimentation by entrepreneurs
Knowledge development
Knowledge diffusion
Market formation
Resource mobilisation
Legitimacy creation
Comparison of overall system functioning

 

As a result of the research, the authors conclude that in order to develop offshore wind further, three innovation systems require stringent policy attention. These innovation systems include: resources mobilisation, market formation and legitimacy creation.

In order to improve in these areas, Wieczorek et al suggest that there is a need for:

European grid strategy and electricity trade code
Increased skill in the labour force (Identified as being the most serious)
Costs must decrease and reliability of offshore wind farms must increase

Finally, the authors conclude with the recommendation that policy efforts should be orchestrated around the challenges mentioned above.

Point of Strength
The publication is extremely detailed in the field of offshore wind energy and presents itself as valuable case study/exemplar publication for understanding the complexity of energy systems.

The concluding recommendations call for the identified challenges to be addressed through policy formation.

The publication is European based and pushes for further synergy between European states. It could be said that this study sets out a roadmap for a multidisciplinary approach to improving energy systems.