Competing technologies and the diffusion of innovations: the emergence of energy-efficient lamps in the residential sector

The emergence of a new lighting technology in the residential sector at the beginning of the 1980s has created a situation of technological competition with an existing and mature technology. Despite specific advantages in terms of durability and energy efficiency, the new compact fluorescent lamp faced numerous adoption barriers when introduced on the market. Further improvement of performance and characteristics has been necessary to reduce these barriers and establish a solid driving force for dissemination. The authors point out the importance of public programmes in this respect, which created initial niche markets and allowed a technological learning process to become established.