Understanding Early Innovation Processes in Sustainable Energy Transformation through a Stakeholder Theory Lens

Sammanfattning

This study investigates how the early stages of the innovation process unfold in collaborativeenergy transition projects. This is done by understanding how innovation opportunities areidentified, how ideas are generated and what factors enable and constrain collaborativeinnovation projects within this context. Drawing on a qualitative multi-case study design,including twelve interviews across three cases in Western Sweden, complemented by anexpert interview. The theoretical framework combines open innovation and stakeholdertheory, connected through knowledge management. The findings reveal that opportunityidentification combines active preparation with responsiveness to external conditions, whereopportunities emerge when external triggers connect with internalised needs. Organisationaltype and identity function as decisive filters for what is perceived as relevant and actionableand environmental scanning is consistently person-dependent and displaced by operationaldemands. Idea generation is characterised by iterative refinement of existing knowledge,concentrated among few individuals. Cross-sector knowledge transfer emerges as amechanism in rapidly evolving technological domains. External actors involvement isindispensable but structurally challenging as the capacity and readiness to contribute variesamong partners. Several enabling and constraining factors emerged from the findings.Genuine need and contextually specific trust are foundational prerequisites, and individualdrive is the most consistently enabling factor. External timing is critical but largely beyondorganisational control which can therefore act as an enabling or constraining factor dependingon context. The gap between partners’ initial commitment and their actual behaviour is astructural feature of collaborative innovation that constrains collaboration. The study extendsthe application of open innovation and stakeholder theory to collaborative energy transitioncontexts, contributing several empirical findings that existing frameworks do not explicitlyaddress.