Impacts of the opening to competition on RandD in the electricitysector [Impacts de l'ouverture à la concurrence sur la RandD dans le secteur électrique]

Abstract : The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of the opening of the competitive arena in regulated markets on the nature and intensity of innovation. The cases of the electricity sectors in the USA and England and Wales are taken as examples. The present condition and the evolution of RandD programmes and institutions in the American and English electric sectors are analysed. We show that the current regulatory reforms lead to significant cuts in RandD programmes, especially those focusing on new technological fields. © 2000 CIRIEC.