CCS: A disruptive technology for innovation theory

The emergence of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) as a signifi cant part of envisaged energy futures in the UK and internationally has coincided with more urgent imperatives for energy system change. This chapter argues that the CCS case, as a regime-led innovation, challenges the prevailing models of innovation theory articulated within innovation studies over the past two decades. In particular, CCS is seen here as a disruptive technology for constructivist theories of innovation – especially transitions theory, but also technological innovation systems theory. The emergence of regime-led innovations such as CCS challenges some of the main tenets of constructivist-based innovation theories, especially their emphasis on niche-led disruptive innovation as a primary driver of socio-technical system change. Under stronger and more urgent imperatives for change – environmental, economic and security of supply – policymakers have sought to develop responses by directly engaging with incumbent organisations and networks. As a result, more centrally co-ordinated energy innovation systems have emerged, and these have directed considerable eff orts on regime-led innovations such as CCS.