Políticas de promoción de sectores eólicos periféricos.

Abstract

Wind energy may play a remarkable role in modern societies through diversifying energy portfolios, mitigating global warming and creating new employment and technology paths. In this regard, the promotion of this renewable energy is one of the main priorities on current energy policy agendas. However, there are some structural singularities in peripheral contexts which could challenge traditional sectoral promotion policies. The main aims of this doctoral thesis are to quantify the socioeconomic impact of the Galician peripheral wind sector on the regional economy, as well as to analyse the interaction among local capabilities and multinational agents to upgrade this sector. Moreover, the design and implementation of a comprehensive policy program to upgrade this sector also represents a key aim. Concerning the socioeconomic impact of the Galician wind sector, the methodology is based on the input-output approach and the analysis of the sectoral value chain. Likewise, the analysis of these sectoral interactions is based on a novel methodology which combines the systemic and evolutionary approach of the innovation systems and the global value chain perspective. The target approach is also applied regarding the design and implementation of the upgrading policy program and its timing. Empirical evidences underline the significant socioeconomic impact of wind energy on the Galician economy, in terms of job creation and GDP contribution. However, institutional thinness, legal instability and low innovative performance undermine sectoral development, triggering an important slowdown. Then, it should be advisable enhancing governance patterns among local and overseas agents. In addition, the analysis emphasises the key role of the complementarity of market size and foreign direct investment policies, as well as the diversification towards green transitions by means of enhancing local capabilities.