Energizing the energy sector through startups : Opportunities and barriers for startups in the changing energy market and effects of collaboration with incumbents

Sammanfattning: Why should technology-based startups in the energy sector collaborate? How do they collaborate today? What is the incumbents’ perspective on collaboration with startups? Today these are issues of high interest for the energy sector in Sweden and for other startups in similar industries. This thesis considers the changing dynamics within the Energy sector in Sweden, the potential of innovation through startups, the market potential and barriers that these actors within the industry are facing. It also considers how collaborations and networks serve to seize opportunities and to overcome challenges and barriers faced by the industry today. Opportunity areas identified were: the trends within the industry concerning decentralized generation, the founders’ dedication for their startups, startup’s ability to act fast and flexibly, their technology contribution, and incumbents differentiating themselves through startups in a highly competitive market. Entry barriers identified were a traditional and slow market, dominative national champions, financial, regulatory, lead times, lack of experience, high risk, lack of system context and credibility. Finally strategic networks and collaboration prove to be an essential part for startups to overcome their liabilities and barriers to entry.