How to kick off system innovation: a Rotterdam case study of the transition to a fuel cell transport system

Fuel cells in combination with hydrogen are expected to play an important role in a future sustainable transport system. Recent studies have provided insight into how technological transitions may come about and may be managed. However, there is a lack of methodologies aimed at starting off transitions or system innovations, in practice. This paper addresses this issue by presenting a methodology characterized by a bottom–up approach to generate a roadmap for short-term projects within a long-term perspective. The methodology is applied in a Rotterdam case study of the transition to a fuel cell transport system. The outcome of this case study leads to recommendations for setting up a framework to facilitate and stimulate kicking off system innovation.