System innovations and Transition Management in Austria: the case of wood-plastic composites and biopolymers

Austria is at the forefront of Europe in terms of innovation in the use of renewable resources for energy supplies. In recent years Austria has also sought to use renewables resources as widely as possible in product manufacturing, though for the moment their adoption is still limited. This paper presents transition field analysis and puts it to the test through a study of the production system for wood and plastic composites and biopolymers in Austria. The intention is to explain how transition field analysis can be interpreted, what impact it has had and how it has influenced governance in the drawing up of a strategy for innovation and technological research policies in Austria.