Catering for Socio-technical Transformations: Rethinking Technology Policy for Inclusive Transformation

Abstract

This chapter zooms out from looking at concrete pilot projects to looking more broadly at the implications of discussions on pilot projects as sites of politics. We discuss how such a perspective might feed into the work of innovators, funding bodies and the making of broader technology policy agendas. The chapter highlights the great potential in pilot projects as a mode of innovation for energy transitions, but bring to the fore the way such innovation activities often take on traditional and technology-centred characteristics. We argue that there is a need to change not only the ways that projects are funded to ensure diverse scientific participation. It is equally important to challenge the underlying assumptions and questions asked in pilot activities, as well as the goals of such energy transition activities. This entails a distributed agenda, where actors across the ecology of innovation share responsibilities for moving towards more just, democratic and humane modes of experimenting for sustainability.

A Social Sciences and Humanities Research Agenda for Transport and Mobility in Europe: Key Themes and 100 Research Questions

“…While space for theoretically-focused work within SSH must be protected, we agree with the principle that scienceincluding SSHshould benefit society. An important task for SSH researchers it thus to influence Horizon Europe in mainstreaming alternative models of innovation (Ryghaug & Skjølsvold, 2021) and to ensure that EU funding criteria are reformed on this basis. One such alternative is focusing more on social innovation (Wittmayer et al, 2020).…”