FramingBranchingPoints_EIST_revision_clean.pdf (443.53 kB)
Framing branching points for transition: policy and pathways for UK heat decarbonisation
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 00:20 authored by Katherine LovellKatherine Lovell, Tim FoxonTim FoxonThis paper develops the use of the branching point concept as a tool to support key decisions for reorienting systems for sustainability. In this approach, a pathway is seen as arising from accumulation of many specific decisions which create momentum in a particular direction and so reinforce the irreversibility of the pathway. Three complementary approaches to branching point analysis are identified within the transitions literature: 1) in pathway-scenarios for sustainability, 2) framing key decision-points in historical analysis, 3) to deconstruct the politics of transition pathways. A case study of UK heat decarbonisation is used to apply the branching point concept. This analysis highlights the tension where a policy approach, framed by a sector-wide target, interacts with distinct socio-technical responses and an alternative policy approach to decision-points is proposed. This paper demonstrates the potential to develop branching point analysis into a tool to support and help structure policy decisions for transition.
Funding
O-STET – Operationalising Socio-Technical Energy Transitions; G2537; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; EP/S002707/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Environmental Innovation and Societal TransitionsISSN
2210-4224Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
40Page range
147-158Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- The Sussex Energy Group Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-07-13First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-07-13First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-07-12Usage metrics
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