Standardisation framework to enable complex technological innovations: The case of photovoltaic technology

Abstract

Strategic standardisation is becoming increasingly challenging due to high levels of complexity, interdisciplinarity, and systems nature of modern technologies. This paper develops a standardisation mapping framework for systematic and comprehensive analyses of how standardisation supports innovation, by integrating key ‘dimensions of standardisation’ addressed in existing conceptual models and related literature. A longitudinal case study of photovoltaic technology highlights evolving dynamics of these dimensions over multiple technology lifecycles, thus demonstrating the importance of such holistic and integrative approach. Based on a widely-used foresight tool, the framework can be used to help decision-makers develop more coherent, long-term, and system-wide strategies for standardisation.