Socio-cognitive evolution and co-evolution in competing technical trajectories: Biogas development in Denmark (1970-2002)

Authors: Geels, F.W.; Raven, R.P.J.M.

Source: The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, Volume 14, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 63-77(15)

Publisher: Sapiens Publishing

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Abstract:

This article makes two fundamental contributions to evolutionary theories of technological changes. First, a socio-cognitive evolutionary perspective is developed that conceptualises the emergence of new technologies in the pre-market phase. This topic is underdeveloped in evolutionary economics, because of its emphasis on market selection. Second, the article addresses co-evolution between two competing technical trajectories. In the pre-market phase, this interaction occurs via expectations and social networks. The perspective is illustrated with a longitudinal case study of biogas plants in Denmark. This sustainability innovation exists in two forms: farm-scale plants and centralised plants. Both forms are carried by different populations and based on different cognitive rules.

Keywords: BIOGAS; DENMARK; CO-EVOLUTION; SOCIO-COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVES; EVOLUTIONARY ECONOMICS

Document Type: Research article

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