Wave energy technology development in Ireland: Employing the triple helix model of innovation for pragmatic policy interventions

Abstract

Irish wave energy technology holds significant economic potential and could be developed to establish an indigenous industry that addresses the global need for a diverse, robust, and reliable renewable energy system comprising a mix of modalities. While wave energy technology has not yet reached commercial viability, it could achieve it with adequate support facilitated by targeted public policy. It is clear that divergent stakeholder perspectives need to be considered when formulating policies, allowing for alternatives to be found, assumptions to be tested, and trust in government actions to be built. This is particularly pertinent for emerging renewable energy technologies such as wave energy, due to the interdependency between developers, policymakers, and researchers at early technology readiness levels. This study applies the triple helix innovation methodology to the wave energy technology sector within an Irish context, providing a framework within which often disparate stakeholder perspectives can be gathered and analysed, and consensus can be found. This consensus can influence pragmatic policy developments for innovation. The study also provides empirical evidence of the need for supportive policy development for wave energy technology in Ireland.