The role of policy entrepreneurs in defining directions of innovation policy

A case study of automated driving in the Netherlands

Bibliographic Data

ID21403036
AuthorsEdgar Salas Gironés (0000-0002-3316-3629, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, corresponding author), Rinie van Est (0000-0002-3990-3042, Eindhoven University of Technology), G P J Verbong (0000-0002-1444-867X, Eindhoven University of Technology), Geert Verbong
Year2020
Volume161
Pages120243
Publication date2020-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTechnological Forecasting and Social Change (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0040-1625 • E-ISSN: 1873-5509
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120243
OpenAlexW3080503273
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited41

As directionality is acknowledged as an essential component of contemporary innovation policies, questions have been raised about how and by whom the directions of innovation policy are set. Despite considerable attention on this matter, contributions have not explored the policy process of directionality, nor examined empirical cases to study directionality in practice. Considering these gaps, this paper presents an in-depth case study of the Dutch Automated Driving initiative that was developed under a smart mobility agenda with transformative aims (2013–2018). This initiative was rapidly championed by policymakers, and the agenda geared almost exclusively to its development. To study the policy processes therein, we used an adapted version of the Multiple Streams Framework (MS) (Kingdon, 1984). MS suggests that directions of policy change are determined by institutional entrepreneurs who have access to policy venues. We found that these entrepreneurs used political strategies (e.g. framing, problem-solution coupling) to champion automated vehicles as a transformative technology. However, eventually the transformative potential promises were not kept, leading to policy failure. In contrast, entrepreneurs’ self-interests dominated the policy implementation phase. This paper suggests that more attention should be given in how directions set in the early policy phases can be kept throughout the policy process

Business · Economic geography · Economics · Industrial organization · Regional science · Sociology · Policy Transfer and Learning · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance · Transportation and Mobility Innovations

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