Multilateral energy technology cooperation: Improving collaboration effectiveness through evidence from International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Programmes

Abstract

In this research, a case study of International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Programmes, one of the longest operating global energy technology cooperation approaches, is undertaken. Based on logical framework approach, critical factors were identified leading to positive outcomes in energy research and innovation across nations, in line with their goals. An email survey was sent to representatives of participating countries to collect data regarding inputs and outputs, and desirable outcomes. Along with survey result analysis, stepwise regression and best subsets regression were undertaken to clarify the effective factors for achievement of output satisfaction and desired outcomes. Our results show that the provision of sufficient human resources has a high probability of enhancing output satisfaction. Among the five investigated output channels for knowledge sharing (international events, documentation, newsletters, webinars, and training programs), utilizing multiple output channels (rather than in isolation) was found to be significantly associated with achieving desired outcomes of policy adoption, technology deployment, economic benefits and social acceptance. This finding identified that a broad spectrum of channels to share information and knowledge were essential to desired outcome achievement.

Keywords

• Energy technology
• Multilateral collaboration
• Energy transfer
• Logical framework approach
• Statistical analysis