The interpretive flexibility of smart grids: transitions, policy mixes and technology innovation systems in the Canadian Maritimes (2009–2022)

It is well established within the transition literature that emerging technologies are subject to interpretive flexibility, allowing for the pursuit of, and contestation among, multiple innovation directions. The role of ideas in shaping transition pathways and the formation of sociotechnical niches, in particular, have attracted considerable attention. However, what is relatively less explored is how ideational dynamics mediate between a technology innovation system (TIS) and the broader sociotechnical system. To investigate these dynamics, we bridge the social construction of technology literature with perspectives on TIS, sociotechnical transitions and policy mixes. We demonstrate our novel framework through analysis of the interpretive flexibility of smart grids as it manifests in policy mixes along with the innovation directions being advanced – i.e. integrated microgrids, super grids and a combined model. Our methodology incorporates document analysis as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the electric power system. Our core contribution is the development of a novel framework to reveal interpretive dynamics flowing among policy mixes, TISs and wider system contexts. Results show how the policy mix helps to shape three innovation directions for emerging smart grids that have important implications for the orientation of the TIS and its interactions with the broader sociotechnical system. From this, our findings indicate that policy mix incoherence should not always be considered as a detriment as it can also help to generate new and productive innovation directions in early transition phases.