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Navigating implementation dilemmas in technology-forcing policies: a comparative analysis of accelerated smart meter diffusion in the Netherlands, UK, Norway, and Portugal (2000-2019)
Version 2 2023-06-12, 09:50
Version 1 2023-06-09, 23:41
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 09:50 authored by F W Geels, S Sareen, A Hook, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin SovacoolThis paper addresses the implementation of technology-forcing policies in open-ended diffusion processes that involve companies and regulators as well as consumers and civil society actors. Mobilising insights from the societal embedding of technology framework and policy steering theories, we investigate two implementation dilemmas that relate to an overarching tension between flexibility (to enable technological learning and stakeholder engagement) and coordinated push (to focus actors and drive deployment): a) early or late formulation of initial targets, and b) technocratic or emergent-adaptive implementation styles. We investigate these dilemmas with four comparative case studies of smart electricity meters between 2000 to 2019, which diffused rapidly in the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal, but decelerated in the UK. We relate these differences to policy choices, and identify two patterns for successful implementation of technology-forcing policies: a) start with early targets and a technocratic style, but make adjustments if there are substantial protests or technical problems, and b) start with an emergent-adaptive style and formulate and enforce targets later, once technical and social stabilisation has occurred.
Funding
UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand; G2424; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Research PolicyISSN
0048-7333Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Issue
7Volume
50Page range
1-19Article number
a104272Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-04-22First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-05-13First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-04-22Usage metrics
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