Conceptual and Empirical Proposals for Analyzing the Functions of the Technological Innovation System for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Achieving decarbonisation of air transport will require significant expansion in the production and utilisation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). Notwithstanding the presence of regulatory constraints (especially in the European context) and the existence of a favourable market, manufacturing capacities continue to experience challenges in terms of scaling up production levels. In order to identify the underlying causes of this failure, a thorough analysis of the production system is required. The Technological Innovation System theoretical framework provides a framework for analysing these blocking mechanisms. In this paper, we set out the methodology for adapting this generic framework to the specific case of SAF. The present study places particular emphasis on quantitative empirical methodologies that are less prominent in the work that usually uses this framework. The paper thus serves as a set of specifications for conducting a comprehensive analysis of the SAF-TIS.