Eco-innovation Strategies in the Construction Sector: Impacts on Nanotech Innovation in the Window Chain

In this paper we examine the strategic response of the construction companies to the climate agenda and the emerging nanotechnologies. A case is brought on the Danish window industry. The construction industry has for a long time been considered little innovative and this also goes for the window section. It seems that a combination of an intensified focus on climate issues and the potential of nanotechnology is invoking a new innovation potential and pressure in the window industry. Specifically we identify a strategic shift among the major players towards more systemic innovations that places the window as a part of the wider energy system of the house, a trend that isn't driven by but could be reinforced by the new nanotech opportunities that so far only play a limited strategic role.