The UK has introduced in 2014 the Supply Chain Plan, which requires that a sufficient number of parts and services associated with the construction of a wind farm are sourced from the UK. This requirement is the last instalment in a series of policy measures attempting to increase local content, but its effectiveness is questionable in terms of achieving the industrial dynamics associated with the creation of centres of excellence through smart specialisation. Based on the experience acquired in 3 different applied research projects about creating local offshore wind supply chains, we use a behavioural theory of the firm theoretical approach to assess the alignment between policy and stakeholders' respective behaviours. We conclude that the Supply Chain Plan is very likely to be a case of escalation of commitment, and as such, a policy of questionable rationality.