Conceptualizing leapfrogging with spatially coupled innovation systems: The case of onsite wastewater treatment in China

Abstract

A rapid implementation of potentially more sustainable sector structures in newly industrializing countries (NICs) is of key importance to reach global sustainability. The conceptual basis for assessing such "leapfrogging" potentials is however still rather weakly developed. The present paper elaborates an encompassing conceptual framework drawing on the technological innovation systems literature and adding an explicit geographical focus that embeds an NIC's innovation system in its international context. From this, we derive six ideal-type leapfrogging trajectories. The framework is applied to the case of a potential transition to onsite wastewater treatment in China. Empirical evidence is based on 30 expert interviews with representatives from companies, universities, authorities and associations in China and Europe. Our results suggest that leapfrogging in the Chinese wastewater sector might develop in either an integrated "international innovation system" trajectory, where Chinese and international actors closely interact, or in an "international competition" trajectory, where Chinese actors endogenously build up technological leadership in strong competition to international actors. We conclude by outlining policy implications and by discussing future research priorities for leapfrogging and transition studies.

The geography of sustainability transitions: Review, synthesis and reflections on an emergent research field

“…Fundamentally, the argument is that intra-and inter-industry knowledge spillovers are positively influenced by geographical proximity, and that the extent of such spillovers among cleantech firms located in a region will impact their ability to develop innovations that can support a transition process. However, as exemplified by the study of Binz et al (2012), such knowledge spillovers are likely to be absent in the formative stages of innovation systems around new technologies if a support structure in the form of for instance specialised intermediaries is not in place. In line with this, Essletzbichler (2012) argues that regional sustainability transition policies should specifically address this point and make firms able to take advantage of spillover effects by e.g.…”

“…Notable exceptions are Binz et al (2012) and in particular Dewald and Truffer (2012). While the former notes the central role of regulatory institutional arrangements for market development, the latter argues that engaged end-users are a central supplement to the formal support programs in local market creation.…”

Technological innovation systems in contexts: Conceptualizing contextual structures and interaction dynamics

“…How can we identify whether a specific TIS is global or whether it consists of a set of largely independent national and/or regional TISs (for the case of membrane bioreactor technology, see Binz et al (2014))? More specifically for emerging economies: How can we analyze the opportunities or barriers for these countries to leapfrog certain development stages in industrial development or infrastructure build up (for urban water management, see Binz et al (2012))? Or, how can we assess multi-scalar TIS dynamics within a specific country (for PV in Germany, see Dewald and Fromhold-Eisebith (2013))?…”

Modeling integrated urban water systems in developing countries: case study of Port Vila, Vanuatu

“…Leapfrogging has occurred in the telecommunication and the automotive industries (Lee and Lim 2001;Mu and Lee 2005) but is only beginning to be promoted within the water sector (Binz et al 2012).…”