Loading...
Publication
How innovations lead to structural change: Elements for a theory of system transformation
| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 560.68 KB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
ABSTRACT: Accelerating decarbonization to limit global warming to 1.5ºC requires a deep change in the
provision and consumption of essential services such as mobility, thermal comfort or substance. It involves the dissemination of several social, technological and institutional innovations across multiple sectors. This contrasts with the traditional perspective in the literature that focuses on specific innovations in a single sector (e.g., solar PV in electricity generation). This research examines the conditions and processes that enable system transformation, here defined as a structural change which have wide social and economic impacts on several sectors (energy, transport, building, industry, food). Building on theories and concepts from economics, innovation and technological change, and sustainability transitions, four main conditions for system transformation emerge: technology; business model; social acceptance; institutions. These conditions underpin processes of system transformation that can be led by demand, supply or coordination. The analysis of two
empirical examples (digital convergence and sharing economy) illustrates the explanatory power of this framework and offers insights for improving both the theory and the strategies for deep decarbonization.
Description
Keywords
Decarbonization Low carbon energy Technological innovation systems Sustainability transition
Citation
Bento, Nuno... et.al - How innovations lead to structural change: Elements for a theory of system transformation. In: DRUID 2023 Conference, Nova SBE, Carcavelos, Portugal, 10-12 June, 2023