ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the key patterns of technological and institutional change in Germany's transition towards a low carbon economy and explores which actor constellations and institutional configurations in its political-economic system have shaped its path, with particular emphasis on efforts in technological innovation. It outlines the empirical patterns and structures of carbon emissions and related indicators in the development of the German economy. The chapter highlights the institutional specifics of the German variety of capitalism as a Coordinated Market Economy. It explores innovation efforts in the formation of a low carbon economy. The chapter examines those actor constellations and policy strategies that drive institutions towards a low carbon economy in Germany. In order to understand the institutional aspects that interlink the economic and political systems, and their role in shaping the trajectories of transition towards a low carbon economy, it is useful to reference the varieties of capitalism approach.
