What the study found
The study found that Brazil, Chile, China, and South Africa take different strategic approaches to green hydrogen, ranging from state-led coordination to market facilitation and export-driven pragmatism. These differences are linked to each country's institutional capacity, industrial structure, and development priorities.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that green hydrogen's value for industrial transformation in the Global South depends on whether governments can place it within coherent industrial policy systems. The study suggests that context-sensitive and adaptive policy design is needed rather than universal blueprints for green industrialisation.
What the researchers tested
The researchers compared how Brazil, Chile, China, and South Africa approach the emerging green hydrogen opportunity. They used content analysis of national strategies together with contextual data on structural preconditions and policy responses.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis showed divergent strategic orientations across the four countries. These differences shape the depth and direction of learning and localisation processes, although the abstract does not specify which approaches produced better outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not provide detailed limitations beyond noting that systematic comparative analyses have been limited. It also does not report quantitative measures or country-by-country performance results.
Key points
- The study compares green hydrogen strategies in Brazil, Chile, China, and South Africa.
- Strategic approaches range from state-led coordination to market facilitation and export-driven pragmatism.
- Differences reflect institutional capacity, industrial structure, and development priorities.
- The authors say green hydrogen matters most when embedded in coherent industrial policy systems.
- The abstract calls for context-sensitive and adaptive policy design rather than universal blueprints.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Green hydrogen strategies differ across four latecomer countries
- Authors:
- Fabianna Bacil, Anthony Black, Marina Domingues, Jun Jin, Rasmus Lema, Glen C. Robbins, Sören Scholvin
- Institutions:
- Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht University, United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, Universidad Católica del Norte, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, University of Cape Town, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, Zhejiang University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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