DOI
10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.280

Summary
This study is concerned with addressing and assessing the issues related to policy instruments and how they can affect the functioning of Technological Innovation Systems (TIS). The gap between policy instruments and TIS functionality is addressed by exploring the process of two crucial policy-making processes. Reichardt et al. use the case of offshore wind in Germany to guide their research question. The study provides a detailed literature on policy, its role in TIS and how it has often been neglected in TIS research.

The research builds upon Richardson’s ‘generic typology of policy style’ by utilising three approaches relevant to emerging TIS: (1) Science of muddling through or incrementalism, (2) adaptative policy making and (3) participatory policy making.

The two policy processes that have been identified as hindering TIS functions in the past are: (1) Insufficient level of support of the feed-in-tariff for offshore wind in the mid 2000’s, and (2) heavy delays in grid access provision for parks between 2010 and 2012.

The methodological approach is based off interviews with experts and is supported by desktop research resulting from interviewee data.

The interviews were conducted using 15 expert subjects and the questions were semi-structured as a guide.

The results of the research are reported in three stages: (1) The two identified policy processes are described beginning with their systemic issues, (2) analyse the policy style and (3) examine their effects on TIS.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This study is relevant to energy systems literature and the complex systems knowledge based around the topic. The paper does not present any direct methods or concepts for the teaching of these topics but rather presents valuable literature for the case of offshore wind, TIS and policy. The focus and identification of policy issues and their hindrance towards TIS functionality, could be used valuable learning material for energy systems and policy learning. As far as contributing to TIS knowledge as a stand-alone topic, there are other studies that would be more appropriate. In other words, this paper could be considered as advanced TIS and policy knowledge.   

Point of Strength
The specific nature of this study (TIS & policy) could be considered as a valuable teaching source/case study for students dealing with renewable energy systems or policy making.

The paper also adds to the mounting database of literature on Germany energy systems.

Reichardt et al. have identified that the role of policy is not given enough attention in the research of TIS. This may be cause for further research to be conducted on policy in a similar context.