Solar Energy: Jobs and Technology – Learning from Developments in Norway and Germany 2001-2015

The thesis investigates three trends in the development of jobs in the PV industry in Norway; one growth from 2001-2010 (trend 1), followed by a rapid decline in 2010/2011 (trend 2), and then a growth again in 2011-2014 (trend 3). By studying the variables of the technology and other resources of the firms, the market and the industry, in addition to the surrounding governmental regulations, incentives, and the culture, the strategic advantages of a nation may be found. Three theories from a strategic tripod; the resource-based view, the industry-based view and the institution-based view, will form the structure of the thesis, and will seek to uncover the mentioned trends of study. In addition, a comparison will be made with Germany. This makes it possible to analyze the job creation in the PV industry in Norway, in addition to find explanations for the development. There was no single-factor conclusion. All of the three variables were necessary and could partly explain all of the three trends. By this, the importance of the combined effects of the three variables of the strategy tripod became clear. I found that, for trend 1, the industry- and resource-based views were found to be important, especially the growing global market, competence and contracts with suppliers. Trend 2, was mainly explained by the institution- and industry-based view, where the Chinese government’s aid to its own PV manufacturers over flooded the market, resulting in a price war. The rapid decline compared to Germany could be a result of the lack of differentiation in Norway. Trend 3 showed primarily to be a result of the resource-based view, namely, a new technology focus and uniqueness, but also the industry- and institution-based view, with more focus on a concentrated part of the value chain and a high community spirit