SONNET - Social Innovation in Energy Transitions
Co-creating a rich understanding of the diversity, processes,contributions, success and future potentials of social innovation in the energy sector
Co-creating a rich understanding of the diversity, processes,contributions, success and future potentials of social innovation in the energy sector
Social innovations in the energy sector are said to enable faster transitions to sustainable energy systems. Initiatives such as energy cooperatives and prosuming peer groups (people producing their own energy), are becoming more common and have attracted interest from researchers and policy makers alike.
A new research project ‘SONNET’ (Social Innovation in Energy Transitions), will work with a range of stakeholders from across energy initiatives in the community, industry, academia, government, councils, and local actors to create a better understanding of social innovations in the energy sector, critically assessing the success, contributions and future potential of social innovation. Through developing practical recommendations and tools, the project aims to build the innovative capacities and strong networks of social innovation and energy actors, strengthen their networks, identify new market opportunities for social innovation in the energy sector and enable multiple actors to increase their engagement with social innovations.
Drawing on sustainability transitions research, energy studies and social innovation research, SONNET aims to investigate which conditions enable diverse types of social innovation in the energy sector, leading to new breakthroughs or helping to successfully overcome barriers to sustainable energy systems, such as limited citizen engagement or the slow uptake of new technologies.
The research will be carried out collaboratively, integrating scientific and stakeholder knowledge in a process of co-creation. Stakeholders are involved as active, equal partners in the project and their influence and involvement towards the goals of the project are essential.
SONNET will combine a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches that inform and complement each other. including:
The project intends to contribute to a better understanding of social innovation in the energy sector and to offer practical recommendations for harnessing the potential of these innovations for improving Europe’s energy systems and addressing challenges in Europe’s carbon-intensive regions.
The implementation of the city labs will have a direct impact in the SONNET cities, as well as allow other stakeholders (such as city councils/local authorities) to learn from these. Policy makers interested in social innovation in the six urban areas involved in the project will become part of a local network that will allow them to exchange experiences and will help to inspire novel ideas and implementation of social innovation in the energy sector.
SONNET also aims to equip policy makers to make more informed, outcome-oriented decisions through co-created policy briefs and training events. Existing social innovations and practitioners will also be helped through practical recommendations and training on how best to engage with policy makers, which they can use in their lobbying efforts.
6.2019-5.2022
European Commission