A methodology to formulate technology roadmap and policy package in biofuels

Abstract

Today, with the rising trend of greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels appear to be a reliable solution to mitigate climate change impacts. There are different types of biofuels and their production requires various technologies. One of the basic questions of decision makers and industry managers is to know the details of technologies related to the production of biofuels. In other words, from the management and policy-making point of view, the technology roadmap is very important, which the policy makers use to formulate the appropriate strategy. This paper presents a methodology to develop biofuels’ technology roadmap and policy formulation. This paper presents technology mapping as well as actor mapping as decisive elements of technology roadmap procedure. It provides useful insights for policy makers and managers to understand which technologies are more suitable for investments in different contexts. Finally, the methodology is applied to the case of Iran, and the key local stakeholders and role-players are recognized. Based on the results of the analysis, practical suggestions for developing biofuels in Iran are offered, which can provide useful insights for other nations.

Keywords:

• Biofuel
• technology roadmap
• technology mapping
• actor mapping
• Iran

Acknowledgements

I am grateful for the valuable comments provided by the anonymous reviewers. I also thank Prof. Marc A. Rosen for his great assistance in submitting my paper to this journal.

Notes

1 Ethyl tert-butyl ether

2 Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat