Tyfield,_Ely,_Geall_SusDev_SI_2015.pdf (1.25 MB)
Low carbon innovation in China: from overlooked opportunities and challenges to transitions in power relations and practices
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 21:42 authored by David Tyfield, Adrian ElyAdrian Ely, Sam GeallThis paper explores environmental innovation in the largest emerging economy – China - and its potential for contributing to global transitions to low-carbon, more sustainable patterns of development. It builds on earlier studies bringing alternative forms of low(er)-technology, ‘below-the-radar’, ‘disruptive’ and/or social innovation into its analysis. In addition, however, the paper develops our understanding of low-carbon innovation by paying particular attention to issues of changing power relations and social practices; theoretical issues that need attention in the literature generally but are notably absent when studying transitions in China. This shift in perspective allows four neglected questions to be introduced and, in each case, points to both opportunities and challenges to low-carbon system transition that are overlooked by an orthodox focus on technological innovations alone. These are briefly illustrated by drawing on examples from three key domains of low-carbon innovation: solar-generated energy; electric urban mobility; and food and agriculture.
Funding
Low Carbon Innovation in China - Prospects, Politics and Practice; G1217; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/K006002/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Sustainable DevelopmentISSN
0968-0802Publisher
John Wiley & SonsExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
23Page range
206-216Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-07-20First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-09-01First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-10-01Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC