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Social dynamics of the energy system transformation
Transforming the energy system is a dynamic and often conflict-ridden process. The energy system transformation is not only a challenging technological endeavour, but also a far-reaching social challenge. Taking this into account, research on energy system transformation needs to be conducted from a socio-technical perspective and analyse the resulting social dynamics.
The research platform is a joint project initiated by the University of Oldenburg, the University of Göttingen, the Sociological Research Institute Göttingen (SOFI) and the University of Vechta.
The platform's speakers are Prof. Dr. Jannika Mattes (University of Oldenburg) and Prof. Dr. Berthold Vogel (SOFI). The platform is coordinated by Julia Zilles (SOFI).
Goals, methods and innovation areas
Motivation and research approach
The research platform is linked to all other research platforms on an interdisciplinary basis through joint scientific interests and systematic cooperation. Three projects work on cross-disciplinary issues, while six projects each address one of the topics of the technology-focused research platforms. The innovation areas are interlinked and collaborate closely across locations, which will also involve the efzn's wider social science network and TEN.efzn.
Technological developments and social dynamics are examined interdependently. This research platform forms the conceptual, integrating framework of TEN.efzn and aims to explicitly advance the social science challenges of the energy system transformation as a separate research area and - in close coordination with the technological research platforms - to always consider social dynamics in relation to technological developments.
Innovation areas
| Name | Research approaches |
| I. Transition | Analysis of underlying social dynamics, in particular interactions as well as processes of power, negotiation, standardization and learning in the context of the energy system transformation. |
| II. Participation & collective action | Transdisciplinary research approach to better understand different logics of collective action in the energy system transformation and to develop structured approaches for collective action. |
| III. Forces of social disruption and cohesion | Analysis of social tensions and conflicts that challenge the common good as well as social cohesion, that call for a fair approach and offer a chance for equity. |
Innovation Area I - Transition
Socio-technical energy systems are currently confronted with two central challenges: on the one hand, transition processes are accelerating rapidly. On the other hand, sector coupling is leading to increasing interdependences between different technologies and systems.
Innovation Area II - Participation & Collective Action
The energy system transformation requires close cooperation between different stakeholders from business, science, politics and society. For these stakeholders, this leads to inseparable, interacting changes in the stakeholders constellations and their respective roles and role perceptions.
Innovation Area III - Forces of Social Disruption and Cohesion
The ecological transformation of our working and living environment in general and the energy system transformation in particular are not only major technical and infrastructural challenges, but also social provocations in many respects. They represent important social issues and challenge social cohesion.