Innovation diffusion and political control of energy technologies

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This PhD thesis explores two key questions: the mechanisms behind the emergence and establishment of new technologies, and the political influences on technological change. The research emphasizes a holistic perspective that integrates insights from various disciplines to achieve a dynamic interpretation of technological evolution and political control. However, this comprehensive approach presents a significant methodological challenge: how to constructively apply such a broad perspective. The thesis addresses this challenge by linking theory to policy-oriented analysis and developing a methodology that demonstrates practical application. The case study of combined heat and power generation, along with a comparative analysis of developments in the UK and Germany, illustrates the implementation of this approach and methodology. These themes were of particular interest to the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, where much of the research was conducted. The work aims to provide insights into how technological change can be understood and influenced, contributing to the discourse on policy and innovation.