The impact of dynamic capabilities on green hydrogen technology adoption within the South African energy sector

Abstract

South Africa possesses significant potential to produce green hydrogen at an industrial scale; yet the adoption of the green technology within the energy sector lags. This study aimed to assess the impact of dynamic capabilities on green hydrogen technology adoption, with specific reference to the distinct roles of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring. The study also aimed to assess whether innovation enhances these effects. An explanatory, mono-method quantitative design was implemented through a structured online survey of sector stakeholders; and the statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The dynamic capabilities showed a positive association with adoption. When the three dimensions were modelled jointly, seizing – the ability to mobilise resources and commit – emerged as the unique predictor of higher adoption. Contrary to expectation, innovation did not strengthen the relationship between dynamic capabilities adoption under current constraints. Strengthening executional capability (seizing) should be prioritised to convert perceived opportunities into implemented projects, while policy and industry programmes should focus on aspects including investment commitment and offtake alignment to accelerate adoption. Cross-sectional, mono-method evidence and sectoral skew (e.g., energy-centric, private-sector heavy; limited public and end-user input) constrained generalisability. It is therefore recommended that future research should broaden its sampling and employ a mixed-method approach.