‘Lumpy’ technological innovation systems and net-zero transitions: The impact of technology characteristics on the carbon capture innovation system in Norway

While past research indicates that technology characteristics matter for deployment and policymaking, especially for lumpy technologies, these insights have not yet been integrated with more comprehensive understandings of socio-technical diffusion. This is problematic because some net-zero decarbonization challenges require lumpy technologies (e.g., cement). To address this knowledge gap, we articulate a ‘lumpy’ technological innovation systems (TIS) approach by merging literatures on technology characteristics and TIS, deriving three important technology characteristics dimensions for analyzing lumpy technology diffusion: size, complexity, and level of customization. We then test the usefulness of this framework by analyzing the case of carbon capture (CC) innovation for decarbonization of process industrial plants in Norway. These types of CC units, with their large size, high complexity, and high customization requirements, have been notoriously difficult to deploy despite technological maturity. From our analysis, we demonstrate the usefulness of our framework through an empirical case of lumpy technology characteristics directly impacting TIS structures and functions. Theoretically, our findings demonstrate the usefulness of treating the material dimensions of technology as a TIS structure and draw attention to the seldom used materialization function's importance for diffusion of lumpy technologies. Our findings reveal an iterative process by technology developers to alter the characteristics of CC technology, challenging past notions of technology-inherent characteristics. Moreover, our findings confirm the importance of considering technology characteristics in policymaking for net-zero transitions and we contribute a novel approach for policymakers to assess the characteristics of focal technology and why they matter for diffusion. • The effect of lumpy technology characteristics on TIS elements are examined. • Technology characteristics and TIS literature are merged towards a novel framework. • The utility of treating technology characteristics as a TIS structure is shown. • The importance of the materialization function for lumpy technology is established. • Results support and build on past calls for technology specific policy.