The life cycle of technological innovation systems

The technological innovation systems (TIS) framework is one of the key approaches in sustainability transition studies. However, scholars have so far mostly concentrated on the early stages of technology development and we know rather little about mature, or even declining TIS. Building on earlier insights from the industry and technology life cycle literatures, this paper introduces the key elements of a TIS life cycle framework and distinguishes between four key stages of TIS development: formation, growth, maturity and decline. An ideal TIS life cycle representation is suggested and three empirical examples of long-term TIS development and decline are discussed. It is argued that adopting a TIS life cycle perspective opens up important new issues for for sustainability transition studies. One such issue is directing attention to technology decline and the role of public policies therein.