Endogenizing Windows of Opportunity with the Goal of Technological Catch-up Based on Sustainable Transition: Wind Turbines in Iran

This paper aims to identify the mechanisms of endogenizing windows of opportunity in order to facilitate and accelerate technological catch-up with the sustainable transition approach in the wind turbine industry in Iran. To conduct this research, a qualitative approach and case study strategy have been used. For this purpose, the historical evolution of the wind turbine industry in Iran from 1988 to 2020 and the current situation of this industry based on the functions of the technological innovation system have been reviewed. Then, the challenges of endogenizing the windows of opportunity and catch-up in this industry in Iran have been identified. Findings indicate that the trend of industry development has been upward until 2015, however, despite the efforts made to endogenize the windows of opportunity, its growth rate has slowed down in recent years. This issue has caused the industry to lag behind in the global competition. Currently, one of the most important challenges of this industry is the weakness in the direction of research, weak legitimation mechanisms, as well as the lack of enough domestic and foreign market. Finally, suggestions are provided for the endogenizing of all three windows of opportunity through the functions of the technological innovation system in the wind turbine industry.