Exploiting geothermal energy for innovation

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to research how specific geothermal cluster can affect the development of innovation in firms. A multiple case study approach is used with three cases; Orf, Carbon Recycling International and Stolt Sea Farm Iceland. Furthermore, the research seeks to answer; i. what kind of innovation is used, ii. what impact geothermal has on innovation, and, iii. what impact the usage of geothermal has on innovation of the firms. The conclusion is that there is evidence which implies that a specific geothermal cluster can affect innovation development in firms. In the three cases which are used in the research, innovation is something to build on in the geothermal cluster. It could be argued that the companies would not have taken the same path in innovation as is evident if they would not have been part of the specific geothermal cluster. The research implies that the main reason for innovation is first and foremost development of specific capabilities and knowledge accumulation. There is, however, less evidence for the importance of networking within the cluster. It could be said that the conslusion contradicts what scholars have argued for as the main benefits of clusters.