Mapping expectations for system transformations. Lessons from Sustainability Foresight in German utility sectors

B. Truffer*, J. P. Voß, K. Konrad

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Expectations held by different actor groups are of key importance for the shaping of socio-technical transformation processes. Foresight activities may be interpreted as a means to elicit, aggregate, modulate and contextualize expectations held by different actors. The paper proposes a conceptual framework that allows assessing and reflecting expectations in foresight initiatives that focus on sustainable sector transformations. For this purpose it draws on the recent literature on socio-technical system transformations and social expectation dynamics. The application of the framework is illustrated by experiences gained with the Sustainability Foresight method developed for the case of sustainable utility sector futures in Germany. The process was conceived as a series of participative scenario and strategy workshops involving about 120 stakeholders from the provision, use and governance of utility services.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1360-1372
Number of pages13
JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change
Volume75
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2008

Keywords

  • Expectation mapping
  • Socio-technical transformation
  • Sustainability Foresight
  • Utility sector

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