A Heuristic for Technology Strategies in Post-Kyoto Bottom-Up Climate Policy

Abstract

The recent UNFCCC conferences starting with Bali in 2007 until Lima in 2014 have paved the way for the integration of nationally determined initiatives into the global climate governance architecture. National ‘green growth’ strategies have become a new paradigm for policymakers and executives. Designed with the aim of decoupling economic development from adverse environmental impacts, these bottom-up policies hold the promise of overcoming the gridlock in international climate negotiations. Building on the literature on innovation research, this paper contributes to the understanding of technology strategies in the context of nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) under the UNFCCC. It is evident that NAMAs aiming to create domestic industries by leveraging technological innovation must consider the characteristics of the targeted technology. Working from this notion, this paper proposes a heuristic to differentiate between four distinct types of technologies. Each type features specific forms of technological learning, value chain constellations and modes of technology transfer. We illustrate the four types using the cases of small hydro, wind turbines, electric vehicles and solar cells and discuss methodologies to classify further technologies ex-ante. We argue that the heuristic captures essential technological characteristics that NAMAs and international support mechanisms need to consider. The different forms of technological learning and value chain constellations are relevant for a country’s choice of technological priorities, while the modes of technology transfer can inform strategies for implementation and international cooperation. We discuss technology-specific strategies for developing countries at different stages of development and international institutions such as the Green Climate Fund and the new Technology Mechanisms under the UNFCCC.