InnoNet-Energy

Diffusion of innovations in the energy landscape: the role of supply and demand side network effects for integrated energy management systems.

In the realm of the current socio-political challenges linked to the energy strategy 2050 and international agreements, there is a clear need for more information on which factors influence the diffusion of innovations, specifically of integrated energy management systems. Photovoltaics and electro-mobility have been identified as two of the most important sectors to develop in Switzerland in order to achieve the goals set in the energy strategy 2050.

This project aims to better understand the information diffusion patterns of state-of-the-art innovations and its role on the uptake of integrated energy management systems linking photovoltaics and electro-mobility in Switzerland. The focus is set on the role and dynamics of information networks on both, the supply and demand side, as well as between them. Furthermore, it takes an explicit geographical approach focusing on the role of physical and social proximity relevant for innovation-diffusion. 

Specifically, we:

• look at investment decisions for innovative and integrated energy management systems linked to photovoltaics and electro-mobility, two of the core fields for a successful implementation of the energy strategy 2050 and a net-zero emission society.
• combine qualitative and quantitative network analysis to investigate information networks and take an explicit geographical approach by mapping information flows, both on the supply and the demand side, as well as between them.
• link the two networks of supply and demand to look into their interactions and into central actors who bridge between the two networks.
• analyse and compare the information networks with regard to integrated photovoltaics and electro-mobility solutions in different case study regions in all three linguistic areas of Switzerland and analyse potential differences and region-specific contextual factors.

The results of the project give insights into the role and dynamics of information networks on both the supply and demand-side triggering the uptake of integrated energy management systems in different cultural, economic and social contexts. The comparative analysis allows us to identify specific leverage points to design strategies for representatives on a municipal, regional and cantonal level. The results can be integrated in existing and future initiatives and public and private information campaigns aiming at a broader uptake of innovative energy solutions in the Swiss context.

Download our project brochure illustrating the highlights of the InnoNet-Energy project, policy recommendations and possible action points.

I am contributing to this research with my doctoral project –Proximity effects in the diffusion of energy technologies: Integrating social and spatial factors– under the supervision of Prof. Claudia Binder and Dr. Maria Anna Hecher.