Globelics PhD Academy 2007 Clean Development Mechanism and technological learning PhD thesis and Conceptual framework ideas Asel Doranova UNU-MERIT, Maastricht, Netherlands

What I am studying Transfer of clean technologies to developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol

Some background: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms Emission trading “North-North” Joint Implementation (JI) projects “North-North” Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) “North-South” Project based emission crediting & trade

Goals of the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol Enable developed countries to meet their emission reduction commitments in a flexible and cost-effective manner Assist developing countries in meeting their sustainable development objectives. They will benefit in the form of  investment  access to better & clean technologies  local sustainable development

Current status of CDM projects: over 800 projects registered

Current status of CDM projects: locations Source: UNFCCC,

Objective of the thesis: To assess the potential for learning / technological capability building in developing countries under the CDM projects Arguments behind:  CDM aims to promote TT in developing countries and contribute to their Sustainable Development  TT is not just simple import of technologies, machines, and expertise, BUT development of local technological capabilities (TC)  TCs are built through learning

Gaps in the CDM literature: impact of the CDM in terms of capability building and learning CDM implication from the perspectives of technological change role of business companies as technology & knowledge providers

1. Literature review Technological capabilities Innovation / technological / learning systems Networking 2. Preliminary interviews with experts UNFCCC, state agencies, research institutes, companies, … 3. Secondary data collection  database Project info Participants info Technology info 4. Survey of CDM project participants  database factors influencing learning under CDM 5. Case-study factors influencing learning under CDM Research design:

CDM actors and institutions map

Learning system under the CDM Main characteristics of the LS: Interactive network of actors (project participants) we expect that Interaction  Learning Institutional set-up (formal & informal) country context performance: Learning (potential for learning)

CDM project participants: Host (developing) country Project hosts – local private or public organization/company Local companies providing construction, assembly, maintenance services, etc. Research labs/universities involved in the project design Host country governments Non-governmental organizations Annex I (developed) country Corporations with substantial emissions liabilities Companies entering carbon market technology developers, intermediaries, consulting Research labs/universities involved in the project design Annex I governments seeking to meet their Kyoto commitments Development agencies and NGOs

CDM project participants: Host (developing) country Project hosts – local private or public organization/company Local companies providing construction, assembly, maintenance services, etc. Research labs/universities involved in the project design Host country governments Non-governmental organizations Annex I (developed) country Corporations with substantial emissions liabilities Companies entering carbon market technology developers, intermediaries, consulting Research labs/universities involved in the project design Annex I governments seeking to meet their Kyoto commitments Development agencies and NGOs

Target group: Technology / knowledge recipient side Project hosts – local private or public organization/company Local companies involved in CDM project, providing construction, assembly, maintenance services, etc. Arguments behind: Project hosts are direct beneficiaries Local companies might benefit from spillovers

Target group: Technology providers’ side Corporations with substantial emissions liabilities Companies entering carbon market technology developers, intermediaries, consulting Arguments behind: –Corporations are the major emitter if the GHGs and they must introduce emission reduction strategies –They are initial investors for CDM projects and possess the most advanced technologies (knowledge) –Majority of companies producing clean technologies are based in developed countries. CDM market opens new business opportunities for them in developing countries.

CDM actors and institutions map

Framework for analyzing learning under the CDM Determinants of learning / TC building: -Characteristics and functions of local participants (technology recipients) -Characteristics and functions of western companies (technology providers) -Types of linkages among them -Institutional set-up -Country context -Characteristics of technology

Framework for analyzing learning under the CDM

Data base: Project info: type, country, location, duration, scale, industry/sector, claim for technology transfer Participants info: functions/roles, country, contacts Country info: policies for CDM, energy, education, S&T Technology info: type, sophistication level, origin (imported/local)

Challenges in proceeding: Define indicators for learning: Technological Capabilities (change)??? Define indicators for some determinants of learning e.g. institutions, economic & social ties, trust, linkages, technology characteristics

Expected Contributions: Academic novelty: Addressing technology transfer under CDM & Kyoto Protocol by applying technological capabilities and systems approaches Social relevance and Policy implications: Development of favorable policies promoting –effective technology transfer, knowledge, capabilities’ development –private investments in the CDM

Thank you!