The effect of institutional memory on the diffusion of wind energy

Abstract

Memories of past experiences are at the heart of innovation processes, yet because they are difficult to operationalize, their role in the renewable energy transition remains elusive. Applying the concept of spillover to operationalize institutional memory, the current study addresses this problem for the first time. It examines how different actors in a planning institution in Israel reached decisions regarding 22 new wind projects by focusing on institutional memory as an explanatory variable. Our findings indicate that planning institutions relied on institutional memory to make decisions regarding contentious issues. Furthermore, they suggest that actors use institutional memories strategically to shape nascent rules and regulations in the regulatory vacuum of an emerging market. Employing machine learning methods to study the effect of institutional memory on the diffusion of wind energy opens up new research avenues in the dynamics of unfolding diffusion processes.