This project explores dynamic decision-making processes on mineral-based materials in research and innovation for renewable energy technologies. It is guided by the question: How can decision-making processes in research activities be identified, and directed to enable more sustainable uses of mineral-based materials? The project works with literatures on Global Value Chains^1,2, Science and Technology-^3,4, and Innovation Studies ^5,6,7, and uses sociotechnical imaginaries^8,9.

These sociotechnical imaginaries may be gendered, and carry information about how resources are perceived in decision-making processes, including on material uses for aspired innovations. A Global Value Chain of Research and Innovation will be conceptualized to enable exploring decision-making processes with embedded sociotechnical imaginaries that reach across geographical scales and organizational levels.

References:

1. Ponte, S., Sturgeon, T.J. and Dallas, M. 2019. Governance and power in GVCs. In S. Ponte, G. Gereffi and G. Raj-Reichert (eds). Handbook on Global Value Chains, Edward Elgar Publishing, 640pp.
2. Dallas, M.P., Ponte, S., and T.J.Sturgeon, 2019. Power in global value chains. Rev. Int. Pol. Econ.,26 (4), 666-694
3. Jasanoff, S. and Kim, S.-H. 2013. Sociotechnical Imaginaries and National Energy policies. Science as Culture 22, 189-196.
4. Jasanoff, S., Kim, S.-H. 2015. Dreamscapes of modernity. Sociotechnical imaginaries and the fabrication of power. Chicago: University of Chicago.
5. Tödtling, F, M Trippl, 2018. Reg. innovation policies for new path development - beyond neo-liberal, traditional syst. views. Eur Plan Stud 26(9), 1779-95.
6. Weber, K.M., and Truffer, B. 2017. Moving innovation systems research to the next level: towards an integrative agenda. Oxford Rev Econ 33 (1), 101-121.
7. Asheim, BT, Grillitsch, M and M Trippl, 2016. Regional innovation systems: past - present - future. In Doloreux, D, Shearmur, R. and Carrincazeaux, C. (eds.), Handbook on the Geography of Innovation. 512 pp.
8. Jasanoff, S & Kim, S-H. 2009. Containing the atom: Sociotechnical imaginaries and nuclear power in the U.S. and South Korea. Minerva 47 (2), 119-146.
9. Borup, M, Brown, N, Konrad, K, van Lente, H. 2006. The Sociology of Expectations in Science and Technology. Technol. Anal. Strateg. 18 (3/4), 285-298.

Project duration: 06/2022 - 05/2025

Team members: Erika Faigen (project lead), Michaela Trippl (supervisor), Gudrun Haindlmaier (co-supervisor)

Funding: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Individual Fellowship