Technological Change and the Environment

Chapter 12

Modeling Induced TechnologicalChange: An Overview

Leon E. Clarke and John P. Weyant

12.1   Introduction

This chapter explores induced technological change (ITC) in the context of research and policy models of energy, the environment, and climate change. What elements of ITC can and should be included in these models? What should be left out and considered qualitatively in interpreting the models? How have modelers thus far included ITC? Are certain modeling approaches more amenable to ITC than others?

Almost everyone—researchers and policy makers alike—agrees that the response of technology to economic incentives and to policy over the coming decades may be crucially important in designing energy and environmental policies. Thus, ...