Context matters: How existing sectors and competing technologies affect the prospects of the Swiss Bio-SNG innovation system

Emerging technological fields are affected by developments in their broader context. This article proposes a differentiation of context structures as a crucial step in the analysis of technological innovation systems. A thorough context analysis, so the argument, is essential for understanding the pace and direction of technology development and the prospects of an emerging technological innovation system. Empirical insights are provided for Bio-SNG, a technology in an early stage of development. The article discusses the conditions under which actors from different sectors (forestry, wood industry, and energy supply) may play a role in the emerging field. It is shown that Bio-SNG is likely to become a victim of the recent boom in wood-to-energy technologies that has favored investments in more mature but technologically inferior alternatives. The case provides lessons for policy making as it highlights how effective support schemes might foster a lock-in into technologies that are readily available.

Research highlights► We analyze the future prospects of Bio-SNG technology in Switzerland. ► These are influenced by different sectors and competing technologies in the context. ► Forestry & sawmill industry and larger utilities are likely to play a major role. ► Bio-SNG suffers from a recent boom in competing wood-to-energy technologies. ► Systematic context analysis is important for studying emerging technological fields.