DOI
10.1016/j.techfore.2013.10.011

Summary
This study is cornered with the technological Innovation System (TIS) and technology diffusion approach to understanding the adoption of bio-digestion in an emerging innovation in Rwanda. Biogas digester penetration in Rwanda accounts for just 1% of its national potential as of 2012. Tigabu et al introduce the article by detailing the background information on Rwanda’s bio-digestion current state, potential for development, and the impact it could have. The main goal of the paper is to disseminate how a TIS for bio-digestion has emerged in Rwanda and how this emergent TIS has influenced the diffusion of biogas plants. TIS is defined by Carlson & Stankiewicz as […] network(s) of agents in a specific economic/industrial area under a particular institutional infrastructure or set of infrastructures and involved in the generation, diffusion, and utilisation of technology. The theoretical background of sustainable technologies, innovation systems, and TIS are reviewed on pgs. 319 & 320. Here, Tigabu references Hekkert et al, and Bergek et al for their descriptions of the typical 7 TIS functions. The methodology utilised in this study is ‘process analysis’. Primary data was collected from interviews conducted in two phases. Phase one involved 31 key informants – actors, experts and decision makers of bio-digestion in Rwanda. Documents consisting of reports, case studies and policy papers related the topic were sourced and reviewed. Once the 7 functions were identified, the second phase interviews were conducted with field experts to assess the authors perceived intensity of the functions and their blockages. The specific Rwandan results and discussion is delivered in pgs. 321 to 326.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This study is relevant to complex systems knowledge in the form of energy systems. The study applies a TIS approach to understanding the adoption of bio-digestion in Rwanda. The assessment of Rwanda’s strengths and weaknesses may be applied to other similar assessments of bio-digestion. The study may also be useful as a teaching resources as it highlights the process by which Rwanda has adopted the emerging innovation in both successes and failures. Hekkert et al, and Bergek et al are referenced in this study – common to other TIS reviews I have completed. However, what was less common of a find evident in this paper was the use of a two phase data collection/interview process. Standard interviews and document review was conducted, as is seen in other TIS articles. Following that was the second round interviews with experts to test the authors perceived outlook on the innovation systems.

Point of Strength
The two phase interview process is a strong point here. It could replicated for other TIS studies or could be used as a teaching resource.

The study could be used a valuable case-study teaching resource as it offers insight into TIS approaches in Sub-Saharan Africa which is under represented at the present.