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Critically reviewing smart home technology applications and business models in Europe

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  • Furszyfer Del Rio, Dylan D.
  • Sovacool, Benjamin K.
  • Bergman, Noam
  • Makuch, Karen E.

Abstract

Smart home technologies refer to devices that provide some degree of digitally connected or enhanced services to occupants. Smart homes have become central in recent technology and policy discussions about energy efficiency, climate change, and innovation. However, many studies are speculative, lacking empirical data, and focus on costs and benefits, but not business models and emerging markets. To address these gaps, our study presents data from semi-structured expert interviews and a review of the recent literature. Although we draw from empirical data collected in the United Kingdom, we place our findings in the context of Europe because the UK has access to European markets for smart home technologies and platforms. Our sampling strategy included experts from Amazon, Microsoft, the International Energy Agency, government, academic, and civil society stakeholders. We identify a diversity of definitions associated with smart home technologies and draw from our data to discuss applications centred on digital connections, enhanced control, automation, and learning. We analyse fifteen distinct business models for smart home technologies, ranging from energy services and household data monitoring to assisted living, security and safety, and new advertising channels (among others). Our assessment ought to guide future innovation patterns, technology deployment, and policy activity relating to smart homes, especially insofar as they can deliver energy services more affordably or help meeting carbon mitigation priorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Furszyfer Del Rio, Dylan D. & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Bergman, Noam & Makuch, Karen E., 2020. "Critically reviewing smart home technology applications and business models in Europe," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:144:y:2020:i:c:s0301421520303669
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111631
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    5. Große-Kreul, Felix, 2022. "What will drive household adoption of smart energy? Insights from a consumer acceptance study in Germany," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    6. Ghasan Fahim Huseien & Kwok Wei Shah, 2021. "Potential Applications of 5G Network Technology for Climate Change Control: A Scoping Review of Singapore," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-26, August.
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    8. Furszyfer Del Rio, Dylan D. & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Griffiths, Steve & Bazilian, Morgan & Kim, Jinsoo & Foley, Aoife M. & Rooney, David, 2022. "Decarbonizing the pulp and paper industry: A critical and systematic review of sociotechnical developments and policy options," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    9. Fuentes González, Fabián & Webb, Janette & Sharmina, Maria & Hannon, Matthew & Braunholtz-Speight, Timothy & Pappas, Dimitrios, 2022. "Local energy businesses in the United Kingdom: Clusters and localism determinants based on financial ratios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PB).
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    11. Elena Korneeva & Nina Olinder & Wadim Strielkowski, 2021. "Consumer Attitudes to the Smart Home Technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-15, November.
    12. Furszyfer Del Rio, D.D., 2022. "Smart but unfriendly: Connected home products as enablers of conflict," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
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