Martiskainen 2017_EIST_Community Leadership.pdf (394.28 kB)
The role of community leadership in the development of grassroots innovations
Version 2 2023-06-12, 06:40
Version 1 2023-06-09, 01:26
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 06:40 authored by Mari MartiskainenMari MartiskainenThis article focuses on the role of community leadership in the development of grassroots innovations. It asks: When community leaders initiate energy projects, what types of skills and knowledge practices do they utilise to nurture grassroots innovations? Grassroots innovations are usually driven by social and sustainability motives, and developed by civil society groups. Based on a mixed methods approach including research interviews and site visits, the article draws on previous literature on community leadership, grassroots innovations and niche literature. Community leadership is analysed via two in-depth community energy cases in the UK. Research findings show that community leadership can aid the development of grassroots innovations, which operate in niches and require nurturing. Community leadership benefits from being embedded into social networks, shared vision and decision making, but pre-existing skills and tacit knowledge also play a role. Community leaders can also assist niche building by working closely with intermediary actors.
Funding
Research Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand; G1020; RCUK-RESEARCH COUNCILS UK; EP/K011790/1
Community Innovation in Sustainable Energy; G0490; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; EP/H051139/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Environmental Innovation and Societal TransitionsISSN
2210-4224Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
22Page range
78-89Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-06-01First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-06-01First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-06-01Usage metrics
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