02052020-Manuscript-Final JEPO.pdf (1.2 MB)
Critically reviewing smart home technology applications and business models in Europe
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 07:06 authored by Dylan Furszyfer Del RioDylan Furszyfer Del Rio, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Noam BergmanNoam Bergman, Karen E MakuchSmart home technologies refer to devices that provide some degree of digitally connected or enhanced services to occupants. Smart homes have become central in recent technology and policy discussions about energy efficiency, climate change, and innovation. However, many studies are speculative, lacking empirical data, and focus on costs and benefits, but not business models and emerging markets. To address these gaps, our study presents data from semi-structured expert interviews and a review of the recent literature. Although we draw from empirical data collected in the United Kingdom, we place our findings in the context of Europe because the UK has access to European markets for smart home technologies and platforms. Our sampling strategy included experts from Amazon, Microsoft, the International Energy Agency, government, academic, and civil society stakeholders. We identify a diversity of definitions associated with smart home technologies and draw from our data to discuss applications centred on digital connections, enhanced control, automation, and learning. We analyse fifteen distinct business models for smart home technologies, ranging from energy services and household data monitoring to assisted living, security and safety, and new advertising channels (among others). Our assessment ought to guide future innovation patterns, technology deployment, and policy activity relating to smart homes, especially insofar as they can deliver energy services more affordably or help meeting carbon mitigation priorities.
Funding
SWS Heat - Developing the next generation technologies of renewable electricity and heating/cooling; G2475; EUROPEAN UNION; 764025
UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand; G2424; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Energy PolicyISSN
0301-4215Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
144Article number
a111631Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-05-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-06-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-05-27Usage metrics
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