Energy transition processes take a very long time. One of the reasons is the huge inertia of existing systems and the unwillingness of very powerful regime actors to quickly move into new directions. Entrepreneurs with novel ideas often do not posses the power to break through these inert techno-institutional complexes. Therefore, they need to develop specific strategies in order to become successful.
This project focuses on the fundamental mechanism that strongly influences all energy transition processes: the interplay between strategies of entrepreneurs who strive to introduce novelty and strategies of incumbents who have strong vested interests and therefore often resist these processes of change. The two types of actors differ strongly in their respective power positions and therefore very different strategies are likely to be pursued. The government is often confronted with the strategies of both types of actors and needs to find a balance in dealing with both interests. Surprisingly hardly any information on this issue can be found in the literature while this is crucial information to accelerate transition processes. In the project, two empirical domains will be studied that strongly differ in the structure of the incumbent regime: the automotive sector and the built environment in The Netherlands. The PhD-student will study one of these empirical domains.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate holds a M.Sc. (or equivalent) degree in a relevant field (e.g. innovation studies, sustainable development, evolutionary economics, organisation science, policy science) with experience in empirical research.
Contact Person: Prof. dr Marko Hekkert (M.Hekkert@geo.uu.nl; phone: +31 30 253 6112).
You may also visit the faculty’s website at: www.geo.uu.nl.
How to apply:
Please send your written application, before 15-08-2010, consisting of a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and addresses of two referees, to:
Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences
Personnel Department
Postbus 80115,
3508 TC Utrecht
The Netherlands or (preferably) by email to PenO@geo.uu.nl
Please mention vacancy number 72178 in all communications and mention where you first saw this advertisement.
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