posted on 2024-09-05, 23:22authored byRasmus Lema, Axel Berger, Hubert Schmitz, Hong Song
This paper uses a value chain lens to examine the prospects for competition and
cooperation between Europe and China in the global wind power sector. Drawing on
insights from fieldwork conducted in 2010 combined with secondary industry data, we
find that Chinese and European industries are developing distinct models of industrialtechnological
organisation. The usual headlines emphasising Sino-European
competition or conflict fail to capture the complexity of current reality. While competition
among lead firms is increasing, there are also considerable prospects for increased
collaboration between firms across the value chains. China, Europe and the world can
benefit from such collaboration to drive down the costs of the technology, improve
quality, enhance innovation capabilities and make wind power a more credible energy
option for the world. Policy initiatives in and between China and Europe have a big role
to play in securing mutually beneficial relationships for the future.
Keywords: wind power; global value chain; competition; cooperation; Europe; China.
History
Publisher
IDS
Citation
Lema, R., A. Berger, H. Schmitz & H. Song (2011) Competition and cooperation between Europe and China in the wind power sector. Working paper series, 377. Brighton: IDS.