abstract
- Technology innovation is recognized as one of the main enablers of sustainable development and the transition towards a low-carbon future. Anticipating innovation trajectories could help decision-makers develop new capabilities to take advantage of incremental and disruptive innovations. This paper maps the current innovation that is taking place in the electricity sector using a bottom-up approach by analyzing the value proposition pursued by startups worldwide. We compiled a database of 320 startups whose focus is the electricity sector. We classified these startups according to their business propositions in the context of megatrends disrupting the electricity sector. From analyzing this dataset, we find the following. Photovoltaic generation (PV) is the primary technology for decarbonization. Innovation within PV focuses on developing more resistant materials, panels that are easier to install, or maintain. These innovations do not need an updated regulatory-market structure of the industry to be deployed. Digitalization is the key disruptive/breakthrough innovation. It has the potential to reshape businesses and the regulatory-market structure. Storage technologies can be very disruptive for the power sector, but the innovation we observe in storage technology is incremental. This includes batteries that last longer, that charge in shorter periods of time, or that use other less expensive raw materials, or more energy density ¿more kilowatt-hours per kilogram.