A modular multi-agent framework for innovation diffusion in changing business environments: conceptualization, formalization and implementation

Johanning, Simon; Scheller, Fabian; Abitz, Daniel; Wehner, Claudius; Brückner, Thomas

doi:10.1186/s40294-020-00074-6

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…The present analysis has been performed as an intermediate step for the parametrization of an agent-based model (cf. [42][43][44]) that aims to simulate residential PV adoption decisions in specific spatial-temporal contexts. Future research could build on these findings to further clarify the role of peers in the adoption process, which could in turn improve policymakers' ability to harness peer effects to support individual decision-making.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Active peer effects in residential photovoltaic adoption: evidence on impact drivers among potential and current adopters in Germany

Scheller,

Graupner,

Edwards

et al. 2021

Preprint

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While the importance of peer influences has been demonstrated in several studies, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of active peer effects in residential photovoltaic (PV) diffusion. Empirical evidence indicates that the impacts of inter-subjective exchanges are dependent on the subjective mutual evaluation of the interlocutors. This paper aims to quantify, how subjective evaluations of peers affect peer effects across different stages of PV adoption decision-making. The findings of a survey among potential and current adopters in Germany (N=1,165) confirm two hypotheses. First, peer effects play a role in residential PV adoption: the number of peer adopters in the decision-maker's social circle has a positive effect on the decision-maker's belief that their social network supports PV adoption; their ascription of credibility on PV-related topics to their peers; and their interest in actively seeking information from their peers in all decision-making stages. Second, there is a correlation between the perceived positive attributes of a given peer and the reported influence of said peer within the decision-making process, suggesting that decision-makers' subjective evaluations of peers play an important role in active peer effects. Decision-makers are significantly more likely to engage in and be influenced by interactions with peers who they perceive as competent, trustworthy, and likeable. In contrast, attributes such as physical closeness and availability have a less significant effect. From a policymaking perspective, this study suggests that the density and quality of peer connections empower potential adopters. Accordingly, peer consultation and community-led outreach initiatives should be promoted to accelerate residential PV adoption.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Active peer effects in residential photovoltaic adoption: evidence on impact drivers among potential and current adopters in Germany

Scheller,

Graupner,

Edwards

et al. 2021

Preprint

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“…Applying different approaches such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and also representative surveys with decision-makers could be relevant to move this research forward. Finally, the findings should also be incorporated into energy system models for managing and predicting low carbon technology adoptions (e.g., agent-based models of technology adoption [105]).…”

Section: Future Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions: A Synthesis of the Literature

et al. 2020

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Despite the intensive research on residential photovoltaic adoption, there is a lack of understanding regarding the social dynamics that drive adoption decisions. Innovation diffusion is a social process, whereby communication structures and the relations between sender and receiver influence what information is perceived and how it is interpreted. This paper addresses this research gap by investigating stakeholder influences in household decision-making from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. A literature review derives major influence dynamics which are then synthesized based on egocentric network maps for distinct process stages. The findings show a multitude of stakeholders that can be relevant in influencing photovoltaic adoption decisions of owner-occupied households. Household decision-makers are mainly influenced by stakeholders of their social network like family, neighbors, and friends as well as PV-related services like providers and civil society groups. The perceived closeness and likeability of a stakeholder indicate a higher level of influence because of greater trust involved. Furthermore, the findings indicate that social influence shifts gradually from many different stakeholders to a few core stakeholders later on in the decision-making process. These insights suggest that photovoltaic (PV) adoption may be more reliably predicted if a process perspective is taken into account that not only distinguishes between different stakeholders but considers their dynamic importance along the process stages. In addition, especially time- and location-bound factors affect the influence strength. This clearly shows the importance of local and targeted interventions to accelerate the uptake.

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“…The goal is an operationalization of hypotheses with, e.g., representative quantitative surveys. In our future research, we are aiming to carry out exactly such quantitative analyses for a sub-area, namely energy system models for predicting PV adoptions on the basis of empirically grounded agent-based modelling [101,102].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stakeholder dynamics in residential solar energy adoption: findings from focus group discussions in Germany

Scheller,

Doser,

Schulte

et al. 2021

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Although there is a clear indication that stages of residential decision making are characterized by their own stakeholders, activities, and outcomes, many studies on residential low-carbon technology adoption only implicitly address stage-specific dynamics. This paper explores stakeholder influences on residential photovoltaic adoption from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. The major objective is the understanding of underlying mechanisms to better exploit the potential for residential photovoltaic uptake. Four focus groups have been conducted in close collaboration with the independent institute for social science research SINUS Markt-und Sozialforschung in East Germany. By applying a qualitative content analysis, major influence dynamics within three decision stages are synthesized with the help of egocentric network maps from the perspective of residential decision-makers. Results indicate that actors closest in terms of emotional and spatial proximity such as members of the social network represent the major influence on residential PV decision-making throughout the stages. Furthermore, decision-makers with a higher level of knowledge are more likely to move on to the subsequent stage. A shift from passive exposure to proactive search takes place through the process, but this shift is less pronounced among risk-averse decision-makers who continuously request proactive influences. The discussions revealed largely unexploited potential regarding the stakeholders local utilities and local governments who are perceived as independent, trustworthy and credible stakeholders. Public stakeholders must fulfill their responsibility in achieving climate goals by advising, assisting, and financing services for low-carbon technology adoption at the local level. Supporting community initiatives through political frameworks appears to be another promising step.

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A modular multi-agent framework for innovation diffusion in changing business environments: conceptualization, formalization and implementation

Cited by 13 publications

References 32 publications

Active peer effects in residential photovoltaic adoption: evidence on impact drivers among potential and current adopters in Germany

Active peer effects in residential photovoltaic adoption: evidence on impact drivers among potential and current adopters in Germany

Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions: A Synthesis of the Literature

Stakeholder dynamics in residential solar energy adoption: findings from focus group discussions in Germany

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