This paper explores how the design of a policy mix and its characteristics affect the emergence and localization of industrialization processes over the lifecycle, from technology development to deployment of commercially established technologies. Combining insights from the literature on policy mixes for sustainability transitions, innovation systems, and technology lifecycles, a general framework is developed to explore the link between policy mixes and clean industry growth. The framework is applied to the empirical context of biofuels in two countries in a comparative case study setting over an extended period. The results reveal that there are great differences in which kinds of actors enter a new industry, the ways actors structure their activities over the lifecycle, and the policy incentives needed to spur emergence and functioning. Given the multi-actor and multi-technology complexity of clean industries, this paper concludes that policy needs to be aware of the fact that one specific policy mix may promote some actors and technologies more than others. The paper offers implications for innovation system scholars and policymakers.