How mismatching institutional logics hinder niche–regime interaction and how boundary spanners intervene

Abstract

The promotion of renewable energy production requires the cooperation of previously unrelated actors. In the Netherlands, a government subsidy pushes biomethane producers into a relationship with operators of the gas network. However, this cooperation proved to be very difficult. This research analyzes the problematic interaction between producers and network operators in the case of biomethane injection in the Dutch natural gas grid. We draw on the concept of 'institutional logics' to improve our understanding of this interaction and to identify divergent practices and belief systems. This research contributes to the multilevel perspective on socio-technical transitions, in particular to insights into the interaction between the biomethane niche and gas regime. Based on interviews and secondary data sources we find diverging logics for biomethane producers and network operators. The differences regarding the goals pursued, decision making style, and the scale of operations hamper productive cooperation. We also observe that 'boundary spanning' individuals step in to increase mutual understanding and to forge productive working relationships. However, the existing logics leave very little room for maneuvering, given the embeddedness and stability of logics in thinking, acting, and physical infrastructure. Mismatching institutional logics forma serious hurdle for successful biomethane injection, and thus hinder the transition towards more renewable energy production.

Compositional dynamics of multilevel innovation platforms in agricultural research for development

“…When looking more closely at the underlying dynamics of facilitating multi-stakeholder innovation and building linkages between different actors at different levels, innovation system scholars have written about individuals who, for example, helped organizations to extend their organizational boundaries (i.e. boundary spanning; Klerkx et al 2010;Smink et al 2015) or leverage resources to push for institutional change (i.e. institutional entrepreneurs or innovation champions as described in Farla et al 2012;Klerkx et al 2009Klerkx et al , 2013Van Paassen et al 2014).…”

The Co-Evolution of Institutional Logics and Boundary Spanning in Sustainability Transitions: the Case of Urban Stormwater Management in Melbourne, Australia

“…Importantly, multiple logics structure socio-technical systems over time (Goodrick & Reay, 2011). While their principles often conflict with each other (Smink et al, 2015), some studies also note a complementary relationship between different institutional logics (Daudigeos et al, 2013). Whether conflicting or complimentary, this relationship forms a constellation of logics that defines dominant and innovative practices in socio-technical systems.…”

“…Indeed, these concepts can fruitfully be used to analyse the interaction between institutions and actors in transitions (e.g. Smink, Negro, Niesten, & Hekkert, 2015). While IL links institutional context and action, BS describes actors' strategic activities in diverse institutional working environments.…”

“…technology) dimensions in niches and regimes (Fuenfschilling & Truffer, 2014). In contrast, BS points to actors skilled at building bridges between divergent worlds by pursuing connective and mediating strategies -an approach deemed pivotal to advancing radical innovation in practice (Smink et al, 2015;Elzen et al, 2012;Kivisaari et al, 2013). Overall, both concepts offer a promising lens for the study of actors and institutions in transitions research, revealing the socio-institutional dynamics that can unlock path dependencies and help with the breakthrough, diffusion, and up-scaling of radical innovation in the face of competing and conventional practices.…”

Niche experiments with alternative powertrain technologies: the case of electric city-buses in Europe

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