Assessing the state and performance of the energy innovation system

Elena Verdolini, Laura Diaz Anadon and Ambuj D. Sagar

Chapter 31 in Handbook of Energy Innovation, 2026, pp 612-639 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Energy innovation is a central element to achieving a deep energy system transformation which can increase energy security, accessibility and affordability, while helping address sustainability challenges, including climate change. A key question, then, is how to monitor the performance of different parts of the energy innovation system across technologies, sectors and countries to shed light on their contribution to the functioning of the energy innovation system and to advance the clean energy transition. To date, several metrics and approaches have been proposed, but, individually, they do not offer a comprehensive understanding of the performance of the energy innovation system and its constituents. The challenge is to go towards a deeper understanding of the energy innovation process, beyond the evaluation of input and output metrics through aggregated measures, as is common. This chapter introduces a structured framework to identify, organize and categorize energy innovation indicators to monitor the performance of different components of the innovation system and understand how they contribute to its functioning and to the achievement of different societal goals. Our framework can also serve as a strategic diagnostic tool to identify which specific bottlenecks need to be overcome with policy interventions and which specific aspects remain poorly understood and under-researched. We conclude with key areas for future research to better track and diagnose the energy technology innovation system with the goal to inform policy.

Keywords: Energy Innovation Metrics; Energy Innovation System Performance; Energy Innovation Indicators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310401
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