Industry-Level Collaboration in mCHP Standardisation and Regulation

Abstract

This chapter provides in-depth insights into the extensive collaboration across multiple actors in the European heating industry during micro Combined Heat and Power's (mCHP) development. Actors in the industry cooperated both in developing mCHP technology and related standardisation/regulation processes. The chapter outlines the role of non-company actors (e.g. industry associations) and the industry's intellectual property rights approach (IPRs) in facilitating this cooperation. This chapter gives a detailed account of the particularly dynamic and contentious processes of standardising and regulating access to the electricity grid and requirements for energy efficiency labels. These examples show how innovators can jointly create conditions that support their innovation, even if major stakeholders (including government) oppose the technology. The examples also show how innovators can handle important policy and societal issues.