Federal Renewable-Energy Research And Development Funding And Innovation

Abstract

Energy is the largest industry on the planet and necessary for the sustainability of life. As the world's stores of nonrenewable-energy begin to deplete at an increasing rate, the research on feasible sources of renewable-energy becomes essential. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between federal funding for activities of energy research and development for renewable-energy sources and the resulting number of renewable-energy patent applications. Panel and ordinary least squares estimations are applied. Data consists of nineteen countries spanning the years from 1985 through 1997. Results indicate a weak and statistically insignificant relationship between federal renewable-energy R&D and renewable-energy patent applications. Explanations for this weak relationship - including inadequate levels of federal renewable-energy R&D funding and barriers associated with the implementation of renewable-energy technologies - are considered.

Date of Award	2008
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University