Competitiveness of Industrial Companies Forming the Value Chain of Wind Energy Components: The Case of Lithuania

Abstract

Sustainable energy development has attracted attention worldwide, partly because of the value chain of the wind energy industry that focuses on the overall value creation and innovation. In order to achieve not only ambitious goals in the fight against climate change, but also to create significant economic benefits for European Union citizens, it is necessary to ensure the production of renewable energy components in Europe itself and in Lithuania at the same time. This paper aims to evaluate the competitiveness of Lithuanian companies that manufacture wind energy components. The research was conducted applying methods such as a survey of manufacturers of wind energy components, expert assessment and descriptive analysis. The results of the competitiveness assessment revealed that the existing conditions and trends are favourable for the development of their performance and strengthening of their competitiveness. The government solutions to promote industry could facilitate the performance of companies operating in the value chain of wind energy components and encourage new companies to join it. This would encourage the Lithuanian industry to expand its participation in the value chain of the European Union’s renewable energy industry, create more jobs, and increase the added value.