The role of markets and policies in delivering innovation for climate change mitigation

This paper identifies market incentives and international and domestic policies that could technologically alter energy systems to achieve greenhouse gas stabilization targets while also meeting other societal goals. I consider the conceptual basis and empirical evidence on the effectiveness and efficiency of climate technology policies. The paper reviews the literature on trends and prospects for innovation in climate change mitigation and examines the evidence on induced innovation and the implications for the choice of technology policy. I then consider the impact of technological advances on the environment, the role of direct government support for R&D, and the complementarities between policies internalizing environmental externalities and those aimed at environmental innovations. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press