Mobilizing innovation policy in the pursuit of net zero emissions: an evolutionary perspective

Jan Fagerberg

Chapter 12 in The New Role of the State for Transformative Innovation, 2026, pp 194-207 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Transforming the economy to a state consistent with net-zero emissions is a demanding task. Extensive change, that is, innovation, in the way energy is provided, distributed, and used across all parts of society will be required. An important question is how policy – particularly innovation policy – can contribute to mobilize innovation for this purpose. It is pointed out that while innovation solves problems, it also creates novel opportunities that policymakers may exploit. The analysis presented in the chapter shows that a global green shift, centred on production and use of renewable energy, is – greatly helped by past policies in a few countries – already well under way, and it is argued that this may create very important opportunities for policy makers in their attempts to support the transition. It is concluded that for policy to succeed, two elements are essential: (1) a broadly supported vision or strategy for change, exploiting the opportunities offered by the global green shift; and (2) a set of projects – or missions – aimed at addressing specific challenges of relevance for the country in question. However, for such projects to be successful, relevant stakeholders – also outside national borders – may need to be included, challenging received innovation policy governance.

Keywords: Green Shift; Innovation Policy; Mission-oriented Policy; Policy Coordination; Net-zero Emissions; Renewables (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781839100253
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