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Understanding social innovation activities for energy transition: Evidence from experiences of social innovation agents in South Korea

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  • Gyuhwan Kim
  • Taehwa Lee

Abstract

Even though social innovations activities have been garnering global interest, their implications on energy transition remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to define social innovation activities that can support energy transition. We interviewed 19 social innovation agents, and the grounded theory (GT) method was applied to define the social innovation activities applicable for energy transition through inductive reasoning. Our results revealed that social innovation activities for energy transition could be defined as the entire interaction process between the pragmatic actions of agents and the participation of citizens. Notably, social innovation activities for energy transition could increase citizen participation and help economies to transition from conventional to alternative energy production and use systems. Thus, these activities lead to significant changes in the behaviors and attitudes of citizens, which are the prime factors when incorporating a subsequent structural change. Our study can provide a reliable framework to understand social innovation activities for energy transition and guide both agents and policy practitioners in decision-making, to improve and smoothen energy transition in South Korea.

Suggested Citation

  • Gyuhwan Kim & Taehwa Lee, 2023. "Understanding social innovation activities for energy transition: Evidence from experiences of social innovation agents in South Korea," Energy & Environment, , vol. 34(8), pages 2976-2989, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:34:y:2023:i:8:p:2976-2989
    DOI: 10.1177/0958305X221116180
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    1. Jay Sterling Gregg & Sophie Nyborg & Meiken Hansen & Valeria Jana Schwanitz & August Wierling & Jan Pedro Zeiss & Sarah Delvaux & Victor Saenz & Lucia Polo-Alvarez & Chiara Candelise & Winston Gilcrea, 2020. "Collective Action and Social Innovation in the Energy Sector: A Mobilization Model Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-24, February.
    2. Hillman, Joanne & Axon, Stephen & Morrissey, John, 2018. "Social enterprise as a potential niche innovation breakout for low carbon transition," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 445-456.
    3. Thomas Hoppe & Gerdien De Vries, 2018. "Social Innovation and the Energy Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jens Horbach, 2024. "Green energy transition in Europe: Importance and behaviour of private households," SEEDS Working Papers 0224, SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies, revised Feb 2024.

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