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Diffusion of Innovations: Empirically Grounded Theory-Enhancement
Type
dissertation project
Start Date
01 October 2005
End Date
15 January 2009
URI
Status
completed
Keywords
Innovation Diffusion
Simulation Modeling
Case Study
Description
The project analyses and accelerates learning processes of individuals and organizations, which are necessary for the diffusion of energy efficient technologies in the building construction sector. By involving actors from the building construction sector, a simulation model for the case of Langenthal was constructed, which takes into account psychological, managerial and economic theories as well as empirical investigations about decision making. The project focuses on processes and relations between relevant actors and their effects on energy efficiency. A quantitative survey focused especially on the perspective of buy owners. It showed that the decision in favor of energy efficiency is - given the economic resources - mainly explained by context structures (availability of an architect with know-how on energy efficiency, and further information in the nick of time), and only in second place by the attitude.
Based on the system dynamic modeling three phases with their main mechanisms were identified which steer the demand for energy efficient designs and changes in the housing market as far as energy efficiency is concerned: 1. Perceived pressure as an impulse factor for adequate solutions, 2. Reinforcement of first market impulses by adjustment of context conditions, and 3. Mass market regulation by market dynamics.
The model allowed for policy analyses which show the effectiveness of different entrepreneurial strategies in different innovation regimes. Results are presented in a strategy matrix for private and public decision makers in the building construction sector. The matrix shows, how and under which conditions they can benefit economically with energy efficient building designs.
Recommended measures include on the one hand an intensive information management with four elements: 1. Marketing of energy efficiency by a neutral institution. 2. Expansion of energy consultancy to emphasize potentials in energy efficiency. 3. Mandatory continuous formation organized by the professional association of architects (SIA). 4. Communication strategy "long term added value" to market energy efficiency for both the supply and demand side. On the other hand, a "systemic stakeholder management" is recommended, which takes into account the crucial role of dynamic enterprises with large market shares. Well focused incentives are needed here, in order to accelerate the development of the mass market for energy efficient building designs.
Based on the system dynamic modeling three phases with their main mechanisms were identified which steer the demand for energy efficient designs and changes in the housing market as far as energy efficiency is concerned: 1. Perceived pressure as an impulse factor for adequate solutions, 2. Reinforcement of first market impulses by adjustment of context conditions, and 3. Mass market regulation by market dynamics.
The model allowed for policy analyses which show the effectiveness of different entrepreneurial strategies in different innovation regimes. Results are presented in a strategy matrix for private and public decision makers in the building construction sector. The matrix shows, how and under which conditions they can benefit economically with energy efficient building designs.
Recommended measures include on the one hand an intensive information management with four elements: 1. Marketing of energy efficiency by a neutral institution. 2. Expansion of energy consultancy to emphasize potentials in energy efficiency. 3. Mandatory continuous formation organized by the professional association of architects (SIA). 4. Communication strategy "long term added value" to market energy efficiency for both the supply and demand side. On the other hand, a "systemic stakeholder management" is recommended, which takes into account the crucial role of dynamic enterprises with large market shares. Well focused incentives are needed here, in order to accelerate the development of the mass market for energy efficient building designs.
Leader contributor(s)
Partner(s)
University of Bern, Interfacultary Center for General Ecology
Funder(s)
Topic(s)
Innovation Diffusion
Method(s)
Simulation methods
qualitative analysis
case study
Range
HSG Internal
Range (De)
HSG Intern
Division(s)
Eprints ID
47294
4 results
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PublicationType: work report
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PublicationType: work report
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PublicationHow do we know who to include in collaborative research? Toward a method for the identification of expertsCollaborative research, defined as research involving actors participating in the problem situation under study, has an important role in operational research, strategic management and previous systems thinking. In a recent study, we found that a strong organizational focus incorporated into many soft operational research (OR) approaches is inadequate for studying societal problem situations, which are fragmented and have no clear boundary. Specifically, we failed to find a process of identifying individuals that is capable of representing the perspectives of actors and sufficient for research into societal problem situations. We found no clear terminology accounting for ontological differences between actors, individuals representing them and conceptual representations of acting entities. In response to this gap in the literature, we propose terminology that differentiates among actors (individuals or collective entities in the real world), experts (individuals capable of representing the perspective of an actor) and agents (ideal-typical representations of actors). Based on this terminology, we propose an iterative method to guide the assembly of an expert group to undertake collaborative research into societal problem situations. To demonstrate the application of our method, we present selected insights from our study in an electronic supplement.Type: journal articleJournal: European Journal of Operational ResearchVolume: 216Issue: 2
Scopus© Citations 31