Energy as a Sociotechnical Problem

The new book edited by ITAS scientists presents the ongoing transformation of energy supply as a multi-dimensional process. It focuses on the thesis that analytical dimensions interact with each other in shaping the energy future.
Cover Energy as a Sociotechnical Problem
Source: Routledge

“Energy as a Sociotechnical Problem” presents the ongoing transformation of the energy complex as a multidimensional process. The editors from ITAS, Christian Büscher, Jens Schippl, and Patrick Sumpf, emphasize sociotechnical problems in three analytical dimensions, which interact in shaping the energy future in Germany, Europe, and worldwide:

  • In the control dimension, contributing authors examine how control can be maintained despite increasing complexity and uncertainty, e.g., in power grid operations or on energy markets.
  • In the change dimension, the authors explore if and how change is possible despite the need for stable orientation, e.g., regarding discourses, real-world labs, and learning.
  • Finally, in the action dimension, the authors analyse how the ability to act on a permanent basis is sustained despite opaqueness and ignorance, exemplified by the work on trust, capabilities, or individual motives.

Drawing on contributions from engineering, economics, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology, the book assembles a range of classic and current themes including innovation, resilience, institutional economics, design, or education. It addresses students and scholars of energy transitions, energy science, and environmental social science as well as practitioners working in the field of energy policy. (27.11.2018)

Bibliographic data:

Büscher, Christian; Schippl, Jens; Sumpf, Patrick (Eds.)
Energy as a Sociotechnical Problem. An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Control, Change, and Action in Energy Transitions. Oxford: Routledge 2018, ISBN 9781138735828
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