The ongoing transformation of the energy system along a more sustainable trajectory requires advancements in a range of technological fields, as well as active involvement of different societal groups. Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the built environment in particular is expected to play a crucial long-term role in the deployment of renewable energy technologies in urban areas, demanding the successful cooperation of planners, architects, engineers, scientists and users. The realisation of that technological change will require innovation at both an individual (within firms and organisations) and a collective (sector) level, giving rise to systemic approaches for its characterisation and analysis of its drivers. This study investigates the processes that either accelerate or hinder the development and diffusion of Building-Integrated PV (BIPV) applications into the market. Affected by developments in both the renewable energy and construction industries, the BIPV innovation system is a multi-sectoral case that has been explored only partially up to now. Acknowledging the fact that drivers of innovation span the globalised BIPV supply chain, this research adopts both an international and a national spatial perspective focusing on the UK. The analysis is based on a novel analytical framework which was developed in order to capture innovation dynamics at different levels, including technological advancements within firms, competition and synergy with other emerging and established innovation systems and pressures from the wider socio-economic configuration. This hybrid functional framework was conceived by combining elements from three academic strands: Technological Innovation Systems, the Multi-Level Perspective and Business Studies. The empirical research is based on various methods, including desktop research, semi-structured interviews and in-depth firm-level case studies. A thorough market assessment provides the techno-economic background for the research. The hybrid framework is used as a guide throughout the empirical investigation and is also implemented in the analytical part of the study to organise and interpret the findings, in order to assess the overall functionality of the innovation system. The analysis has underlined a range of processes that affect the development and diffusion of BIPV applications including inherent technological characteristics, societal factors and wider transitions within the energy and construction sectors. Future approaches for the assessment and governance of BIPV innovation will need to address its hybrid character and disruptiveness with regards to incumbent configurations, in order to appreciate its significance over the short and long term. Methodological and conceptual findings show that the combination of insights from different analytical perspectives offers a broader understanding of the processes affecting innovation dynamics in emerging technologies. Different approaches can be used in tandem to overcome methodological weaknesses, provide different analytical perspectives and assess the performance of complex innovation systems, which may span multiple countries and sectors. By better reflecting complexities, tensions and synergies, the framework developed here offers a promising way forward for the analysis of emerging sustainable technologies.

Problem Discussion: The world population is increasing at a rate that the current food production capacity would not be able to sustain. In Sweden, only a small portion of the land area is used for cultivation and there is a high percentage of imports of food. Halland region is located in the southern part of Sweden has its arable land decreased between 2010 to 2020. This adds to the uncertainty of food production in the future in the region and in Sweden in general. Hydroponics combines food production and technology by using minimal space and resources. It is a technique of growing plants in water with nutrients. Despite being utilized in many countries around the world, hydroponics technology has not been widely adopted in the Halland region of Sweden. Purpose: This thesis aims to analyze the functional weaknesses of the hydroponics industry in the region Halland by utilizing the technological innovation systems (TIS) framework. By analyzing the functional dynamics of actors, networks, and institutions, this thesis aims to explore the weaknesses within the functions, which can be a basis for innovation policies for the necessary stakeholders for the further diffusion of the industry in the Halland region. Methodology: An in-depth qualitative case study was utilized in this study with a deductive approach. Authors have used the framework from Beregk (2008) to analyse the functional weakness of the TIS. And tested whether the theory stands true for a regional setting with little to no actor-network dynamics. A semi-structured interview using mostly video conferencing was done to collect data from respondents representing different actors within the technological innovations systems (TIS) framework. Analysis: The data collected from the semi-structured interviews were analyzed using coding software and exported into an Excel sheet for ease of synthesizing the information. The primary data along with secondary sources was used to analyse the functional weaknesses. The data collected were assigned to each function to identify the patterns and come up with findings and conclusions. Findings and Conclusions: An examination of the data reveals that, despite limited actor-network dynamics in the context, notable weaknesses have emerged within the Technology and Innovation System (TIS). These findings can serve as valuable insights for policymakers seeking to facilitate the wider adoption of this technology. This includes an insufficient development of knowledge within the region. Additionally, entrepreneurs face challenges in securing funding beyond the initial stages, which often leads them to employ trial-and-error approaches. This approach, while valuable for learning, 2 consumes significant time and capital resources, compounding uncertainty. Fortunately, being part of the European Union (EU) provides a distinct advantage for the region, as it enables a smooth flow of information and resources from EU counterparts. While the existing theory holds true within this context, there remains scope for further research. Further research for a distinct diffusion system analysis and greater clarity on defining the development of external positivity for an infant industry.