Pathways to accelerate the diffusion of demand-side low-carbon innovations and socio-technical energy system change

This research is intended to investigate the pathways to accelerate the diffusion of demand-side low-carbon innovations and socio-technical energy system change. Specifically, we want to map out whether innovations are pertinent, which can reinforce each other, which policies, stakeholders and legitimacy factors help them and their interactions. The variables that the innovations were coded for can be considered “score cards” to analyse whether an innovation has potential for system disruption or reinforcement, and the level of policy and legitimacy support it receives. This project plans to analyse the relative diffusion rates of complementary innovations that are required to support renewable energy and electric vehicle deployment and also identify challenges to mapping and implementing pathways. For example, despite rigorous desk research and stakeholder engagement, our research reveals a critical lack of dissemination rate data, a critical variable to measure our mitigation responses.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christina Hoicka

Student:

Partner:

The Transition Accelerator

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Victoria

Program: