University of Sussex
Browse
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

Download (1.25 MB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 21:42 authored by David Tyfield, Adrian ElyAdrian Ely, Sam Geall
This 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 Development

ISSN

0968-0802

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons

Issue

4

Volume

23

Page range

206-216

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-07-20

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2017-09-01

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2015-10-01

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC