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The socio-technical dynamics of low-carbon transitions

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posted on 2023-06-09, 08:10 authored by Frank W Geels, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Tim Schwanen, Steven SorrellSteven Sorrell
Effective mitigation of climate change will require far-reaching transformations of electricity, heat, agricultural, transport and other systems. The energy studies and modelling research that so often dominates academic and policy debates provide valuable insights into these transitions, but remain constrained by their focus on rational decision-making and their neglect of non-linear dynamics and broader social processes. This review paper describes insights from a complementary socio-technical approach that addresses the interdependent social, political, cultural, and technical processes of transitions. Focusing on the ‘Multi-Level Perspective’ (MLP), transitions are conceptualized as arising from the alignment of processes within and between three analytical levels: niche-innovations, socio-technical regimes and the socio-technical landscape. This analytical framework is illustrated with a case study of the German electricity transition and used to appraise low-carbon transitions in several other sectors. We end by articulating four lessons for managing low-carbon transitions.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Joule

ISSN

2542-4351

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

3

Volume

1

Page range

463-479

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-10-04

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2017-10-04

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-10-04

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