How to Assess Market Readiness for an Innovative Solution: The Case of Heat Recovery Technologies for SMEs

Hjorth SS, Brem A (2016)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Publisher: M D P I AG

Book Volume: 8

Journal Issue: 11

DOI: 10.3390/su8111152

Abstract

The uptake of solutions that increase energy efficiency is significantly lower for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is due to several barriers, among which legislation, motivation, finance and other resources play a large role. In this paper, we describe a framework of market readiness and use it to assess the asymmetry between existing solutions and opportunities in the market. The aim is to identify which steps can be taken in order to introduce more energy optimizations into SMEs, and who should be taking those steps. More specifically, we explore how four Danish SMEs, in different parts of the value chain in the food processing industry, view energy efficiency improvements, focusing on the potential reuse of waste heat, along with what they consider important for taking on such projects. The findings show that while the companies operate very differently, they share common motivations and barriers when it comes to energy efficiency. Based on these findings, this paper argues that the biggest advancements are not to be made within the SMEs, but partly through the legislation that affects the financial benefits of energy improvement solutions, and through the marketing approach that solution suppliers take towards their potential customers when addressing the inherently individual needs of SMEs.

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How to cite

APA:

Hjorth, S.S., & Brem, A. (2016). How to Assess Market Readiness for an Innovative Solution: The Case of Heat Recovery Technologies for SMEs. Sustainability, 8(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/su8111152

MLA:

Hjorth, Sune Solberg, and Alexander Brem. "How to Assess Market Readiness for an Innovative Solution: The Case of Heat Recovery Technologies for SMEs." Sustainability 8.11 (2016).

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