Path Dependence and New Technological Path Creation in the Danish Wind Power Industry

Abstract

In this paper, it is argued that in order to overcome the limitations of canonical path dependence and new path creation theories that arise from the different ontological approaches of economics and sociology, a hybrid socio-economic theory is required that examines the contributions of intelligent agents to the creation of new technological pathways in conditions of path dependence. The main aim of such a theory is to explain the processes by which agents may collectively contribute to the emergence of new technological pathways and overcome the barriers confronting them as a result of the evolution of historical forces that establish the path-dependent trajectories of contemporary technologies. The arguments are illustrated empirically by analysing the roles of inventors and innovation pioneers located in economic niches together with the diffusion of new technologies to the attainment of critical mass and the creation of new pathways. The roles and processes engaged in by such actors, and the path-dependent barriers confronting them, are illustrated using the historical creation the renewable energy technological pathway in wind power in Denmark.