This paper develops a theoretical framework based on ideas from emissions control technology and policy regimes, theories, agenda formation, scientific community, and technical experts. It will focus, in particular, on the role of the technical experts. They are not only go-betweens within different industries but also within the business and the governmental world. These concepts provide tools for understanding the changing relationship between the car and oil industries regarding their emissions research. In particular, the role of the oil industry will be put much more in the forefront, since it plays an important role in co-defining the technology agenda of the car industry in the 1990s. The aim of this paper is to describe how the increased participation of technical experts within the car and oil industries and government can forge new alliances between the different actors involved. (Author/publisher).
Abstract