Impact of strategies to increase RES in Europe on employment and competitiveness

A European RES strategy has the potential to increase employment in Europe. Structural changes and possible income multiplier and accelerator effects may dominate the effects of additional costs on the economy resulting in an increase in employment. Whether or not this impact will be substantial and lasting depends crucially on the innovation dynamics of renewable energy technologies to reduce costs, and on the existence of a first mover advantage for the EU resulting in additional demand from abroad. The empirical analysis performed with patent data indicates above average innovation dynamics for renewable energy technologies. Patent specialization and trade indicators indicate that the chances for a first mover advantage differ between the technologies.