Path-Dependence and Technological Competition in the Pv Cells Industry : The Case of Crystalline and Amorphous Silicon

This paper aims at showing how "path dependence" approach may explain the technological challenge in the PV cells industry. The first section will point up the factual elements which satisfy the conditions of path-dependence as defined by Arthur and David in the industry of the photovoltaic cells. In the second part a technological model of competition that integrates increasing returns adapted to the sector of cells statement will be proposed, what will enable us to locate singularities in the decision-making process and the way in which small events of the history can condition the choices of development of a technology to the detriment of another. The representation of the economic dynamics suggested in the two fist sections will allow us to approach, in the last and conclusive section, the question of the policies to implement for preventing too early and too restrictive lock-in phenomenon during the early stages of an innovation process