The paper addresses two questions mentioned in the call for papers. (1) How do environmental states differ in the configuration of their governance arrangements and how can these differences be explained? (2) What are the structural features that enable and constrain the activities of ecological states. Four cases will be analyzed dealing with the state sponsored development of climate friendly energy technologies. The cases deal with three national experiences (Germany, Japan, Norway) and two technologies (Photovoltaics/PV, Carbon Capture and Storage/CCS). Each case will treated as being embedded in a strategic action field (Fligstein/McAdam 2011/12). Thus the different governance configurations and power constellations dominating the policy development in each case can be highlighted and explained. Given the varying success of technology development in the four cases constraints as well as opportunity structures for green policies can be identified.
In the four cases it will be analyzed how within the scope of national as well as sectoral governance systems the development of specific green innovations is framed. Governance systems are formed by dominant, incumbent actors, but also have constantly to cope with challengers and new societal demands that might threaten their position. Although in the four cases analysed, similar policy instruments have been used, the context within which they have been embedded varies starkly as well as the success of respective strategies.
