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Of emergence, diffusion and impact: a sociotechnical perspective on research and energy demand

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posted on 2023-06-09, 16:32 authored by Frank W Geels, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Steven SorrellSteven Sorrell
From a sociotechnical perspective, improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand are understood as social processes with complex interactions between multiple actors (firms, researchers, policymakers, consumers) who develop strategies, make investments, learn, open up new markets and develop new routines. A sociotechnical perspective views energy services as being provided through large-scale, capital-intensive and long-lived infrastructures that co-evolve with technologies, institutions, skills, knowledge and behaviours to create broader ‘sociotechnical systems’. This chapter develops a rationale for the sociotechnical approach, describes its general characteristics and identifies some core research debates. It elaborates upon three research themes – emergence, diffusion and impact – and identifies key issues and debates within each.

Funding

Research Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand; G1020; RCUK-RESEARCH COUNCILS UK; EP/K011790/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Publisher

Routledge

Page range

15-33

Pages

301.0

Book title

Transitions in energy efficiency and demand: the emergence, diffusion and impact of low-carbon ennovations

Place of publication

Abingdon, Oxon, UK

ISBN

9780815356783

Series

Routledge Studies in Energy Transitions

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • The Sussex Energy Group Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Editors

Debbie Hopkins, Kirsten E H Jenkins

Legacy Posted Date

2019-01-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-01-16

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-01-16

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