Alternative technology niches and sustainable development. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Adrian
• Is Part Of: Innovation. Volume 18:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 484
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: alternative technology -- strategic niche management -- grassroots innovation -- sustainable development -- technology policy; Research, Industrial -- Asia -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Asia -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial; Technological innovations; Asia; Pacific Area; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 658.4063
• DOI: 10.1080/14479338.2016.1265047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1447-9338

Abstract

Abstract : This paper contrasts two niche-based approaches to sustainable development, both recommended for greening technology systems. One is new, the other is old. In fact, a gap of thirty years separates Strategic Niche Management (SNM) from the Alternative Technology movement (AT), yet both share a niche-based perspective on change. Their core approach is to generate knowledge and disseminate lessons about sustainable technological practices through innovative, bottom-up activities. The ambition for both is to seed a sustainable transformation of incumbent technological regimes. SNM proves to be more managerial in its approach; while AT conceptualises niches as a much more grassroots activity. This reflects their different histories. Comparisons between the two uncover some fundamental issues regarding alternative technology niches and sustainable development.