TimeLag - Time lags in transformative processes: Temporal dynamics between policy design, implementation and market diffusion of low carbon technologies

TIMELAG examines the dynamic interactions between two parallel processes over time: 1. the development and market diffusion of low-carbon technologies (technology vector) and 2. the development of political interventions such as strategies, laws, subsidies, etc. of EU, national and provincial bodies (policy vector). The technology vector is described by time series of indicators from market statistics (e.g., market share of technology versus traditional technology, installed capacity of technology, etc.). The policy vector is described by the sequence of stakeholder activities such as political strategies and regulatory conditions. By comparing the diffusion of various selected low-carbon technologies in Austria, we derive semi-quantitative estimates of the time delay, which is initially between the time when technologies become mature and first policies and further, between these first policies and significant market penetration of these new low-carbon technologies. This knowledge is urgently needed to develop realistic timelines to meet set climate mitigation goals.