Fostering innovation in emerging photovoltaic technologies in Europe: Policy levers to overcome barriers in emerging solar cell technology development and commercialization
Translated title
Fostering innovation in emerging solar technologies in Europe: Policy levers to overcome barriers in emerging solar cell technology development and commercialization
Author
Serre, Celestine Marguerite
Term
4. semester
Publication year
2025
Abstract
This thesis examines how public policy can help European firms develop and commercialize emerging solar cell technologies, focusing on perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs). Using a Technological Innovation System (TIS) lens, complemented by Technology Readiness Levels and the Valley of Death concepts, the study synthesizes secondary sources (policy reports, academic literature, and strategic roadmaps) to assess Europe’s PSC trajectory, which currently sits at an intermediate stage (TRL 5–7). The analysis identifies weaknesses in three TIS functions: market formation (limited early demand and procurement that favors mature technologies), legitimation (policy uncertainty and risk aversion among investors and public buyers), and resource mobilization (fragmented funding, insufficient manufacturing infrastructure, and grid bottlenecks). Findings indicate that existing policies do not adequately address PSC-specific needs. The thesis calls for coordinated EU and national action and tailored policy mixes that combine technology-specific measures with broader innovation and industrial strategies—creating protected niche markets, aligning public investment with development stages, and building institutional credibility—to accelerate commercialization and reinforce Europe’s PV leadership and energy sovereignty. The work relies on secondary data and an adapted TIS approach suitable for an immature technology and market.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan offentlig politik kan understøtte europæiske virksomheder i at udvikle og kommercialisere nye solcelleteknologier med fokus på perovskit-baserede solceller (PSCs). Med udgangspunkt i et Teknologisk Innovationssystem (TIS)-perspektiv, suppleret af Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) og begrebet “Dødens dal”, syntheses analysen sekundære kilder (politikanalyser, akademisk litteratur og strategiske roadmaps) for at vurdere den europæiske PSC-udvikling, der aktuelt befinder sig på et mellemniveau (TRL 5–7). Studiet identificerer svagheder i tre centrale TIS-funktioner: markedsdannelse (begrænset tidlig efterspørgsel og udbudsregler, der favoriserer modne teknologier), legitimitet (politisk usikkerhed samt risikoaversion hos investorer og offentlige indkøbere) og ressourcemobilisering (fragmenteret finansiering, mangelfuld fremstillingsinfrastruktur og flaskehalse i elnettet). Fundene peger på, at nuværende politikker ikke tilstrækkeligt adresserer PSC’ers specifikke behov. Afhandlingen anbefaler koordineret indsats på EU- og nationalt niveau og målrettede politiske virkemidler, der kombinerer teknologispecifik støtte med bredere innovations- og industristrategier—herunder skabelse af beskyttede nichemarkeder, tilpasning af offentlige investeringer til teknologitrin og styrkelse af institutionel troværdighed—for at accelerere kommercialiseringen og styrke Europas PV-lederskab og energisuverænitet. Analysen er baseret på sekundære data og en tilpasset TIS-tilgang, passende for en umoden teknologi og marked.
[This apstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]