TIS subsystems and modes of innovation: the case of hydrogen-powered aviation

Recent technological advancements in hydrogen-powered aviation are significantly influenced by start-up companies, despite substantial market entry barriers. To investigate the role of these emerging actors in the sustainability transition of the aviation sector, we compare the innovation activities of established and emerging hydrogen-powered aircraft manufacturers through qualitative expert interviews. Our findings reveal distinct differences in the innovation modes of these two groups: established manufacturers pursue a ‘breakthrough’ innovation mode, while emerging manufacturers adopt a ‘bricolage’ innovation mode. Additionally, these groups contribute differently to the Technological Innovation System (TIS) functionality. We argue that each group forms a distinct TIS subsystem due to substantial institutional differences that uniquely impact the TIS. Consequently, we identify multi-(sub)system dynamics as a critical factor for the future development of the hydrogen-powered aviation TIS.