The spatial dynamics of niche trajectory: The case of wave energy

Abstract

Please cite this article in press as: Fontes, M., et al., The spatial dynamics of niche trajectory: a b s t r a c tThis paper proposes that niches, as protected spaces where technologies are developed and articulated with societal needs, transcend territorial boundaries, encompassing communities and actions that span several spatial levels. To support this assertion, the paper builds on the socio-cognitive perspective to niche development and extends it, introducing a new dimension -space -thus broadening and "spatializing" the concept of technological niche. This framework is applied to the case of wave energy. Empirical research combines a generic analysis of the construction of an "overall niche space" with a detailed analysis of the processes taking place in Portugal, which was one of the pioneers in the emerging field. The results confirm the niche multi-spatial dynamics, showing that it is shaped by the interplay between a niche relational space constructed by actors' actions and interactions, and the territorial effects introduced by their embeddedness in particular geographical and institutional settings.

Unpacking the Formation of Favourable Environments for Urban Experimentation: The Case of the Bristol Energy Scene

“…To examine that process in detail, we analysed different settlements, patterns of experimentation and modes of governing. Our approach complements the systemic perspective of most transition studies and is compatible with spatialised accounts of the formation of niches in multiple localities [20,21]. We argue that this approach has wider applicability for studies focusing on urban experimental spaces, the nature of how such experimental spaces emerge, and why distinctive styles of experimentation develop in some places but not others.…”

“…Recently, spatially explicit reconceptualisations of this model were proposed [20,21] but were also targeted at transnational niches. Beyond an initial focus on radical technological innovation in energy, mobility, food, and other societal systems organised primarily at a national scale, SNM-inspired conceptualisations figure in debates about urban experimentation [1,2] and grassroots innovations [31,54,55].…”

Adopting Strategic Niche Management to Evaluate EV Demonstration Projects in China

“…However, its importance in forming protective spaces has been ignored by previous literature [22]. Although some attention is being paid to this dimension [23], the study about how place-specific characteristics influence the formation of niche protection and in turn influence the niche development is still being researched [22]. This paper tries to contribute to this by examining the niche protection of EVs in China from the national and local level and exploring how the specific local conditions influence the formation of local niche protection and diffusion results of EVs.…”

“…For example, Mans compared the transition of renewable energy in Casablanca and Cape Town and illustrated how the difference between cities resulted in the different development results [34]. Fontes et al drew on the socio-cognitive perspective to analyze the formation of technological niche of wave energy in Portugal and introduced the spatial dimension to extend it [23]. Sengers and Raven developed the local-global niche model by focusing on the spatiality of the production and transfer of knowledge, the geographies of the actor networks involved and the dynamics of embeddedness [21].…”

Contrasting Regional Habitats for Urban Sustainability Experimentation in Europe

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