Geels-et-al-Joule 29 July-Clean.pdf (736.92 kB)
The socio-technical dynamics of low-carbon transitions
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 08:10 authored by Frank W Geels, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Tim Schwanen, Steven SorrellSteven SorrellEffective mitigation of climate change will require far-reaching transformations of electricity, heat, agricultural, transport and other systems. The energy studies and modelling research that so often dominates academic and policy debates provide valuable insights into these transitions, but remain constrained by their focus on rational decision-making and their neglect of non-linear dynamics and broader social processes. This review paper describes insights from a complementary socio-technical approach that addresses the interdependent social, political, cultural, and technical processes of transitions. Focusing on the ‘Multi-Level Perspective’ (MLP), transitions are conceptualized as arising from the alignment of processes within and between three analytical levels: niche-innovations, socio-technical regimes and the socio-technical landscape. This analytical framework is illustrated with a case study of the German electricity transition and used to appraise low-carbon transitions in several other sectors. We end by articulating four lessons for managing low-carbon transitions.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
JouleISSN
2542-4351Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
1Page range
463-479Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes