Studies in the field of system dynamics revealed that in conventional management mainly aspects of detail complexity are considered, but that the real leverage lies in understanding dynamic complexity. Based on the encouraging results by this interview-data-backed research, system dynamics is considered as an integral part of a decision support system aiming at advancing innovation. As the elaborated methodology is not sector-specific, it can be applied in any fields in which orientating development trajectories is challenging due to a rapidly changing socio-political environment or by competing innovations. The herein used systems thinking approach provides the flexibility to comply with these requirements as it is designed to function in non-transparent and dynamic environments. In the subject exemplary case, the identification of the key drivers to commercialise marine energy (to generate electricity from waves and tidal streams) is described in detail. With the intention to gain comprehensive insight into European marine energy activities and plannings, a diversified interview series was conducted by which 44 experts from 13 stakeholder groups provided their knowledge in the form of 2129 individual replies. To master the amount and complexity of the multi-level information received, all interview data were systematically consolidated and formed as such the input for the configuration of representative cause-effect relationship diagrams and detailed system dynamics computer models. Based on the calculated ranking of the top-level driving factors for the marine energy commercialisation process and the subsequent allocation of representative interview statements, balanced propositions for the strategic orientation of the sector could be made.