Developing Nations, Energy R&D, and the Provision of a Planetary Public Good: A Long-Term Strategy for Addressing Climate Change

Abstract

This article presents findings indicative of important, ongoing changes in the energy research and development (R&D) investments of major nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The authors seek to explain drivers of these changes and their implications for the world's ability to deal with future R&D-intensive energy challenges. They also consider implications of changes in individual countries' energy R&D portfolios for international R&D collaboration among OECD countries and between OECD and developing countries. They conclude that the level of investment in energy R&D in the OECD is insufficient to meet the challenges of climate change. A long-term, strategic approach would aim to broaden both the amount of resources devoted to energy R&D and the geographical scope of the global energy R&D infrastructure. A successful strategy will account for major changes in demographics and energy use over the coming decades and will drive the development of indigenous energy R&D capabilities in today's developing countries.