An analysis of remote electric mini-grids in Laos using the Technological Innovation Systems approach

Blum, Nicola Ursina; Bening, Catharina R.; Schmidt, Tobias S. (2015). An analysis of remote electric mini-grids in Laos using the Technological Innovation Systems approach Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 95, pp. 218-233. Elsevier 10.1016/j.techfore.2015.02.002

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The electrification of the world's rural poor is an important aim of the United Nations. Off-grid technologies, such as electric mini-grids are seen as appropriate solutions. However, their diffusion rate in developing countries is not sufficient to reach poverty reduction targets. In this paper we analyze the case of remote electric mini-grids in Laos, a least-developed country characterized by many barriers to the diffusion of modern technology. We apply the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) approach in order to derive policy recommendations on how to increase the diffusion rate. As the TIS framework has hardly been applied to such challenging contexts, we also aim to produce insights for the theoretical advancement of the TIS literature. Our analysis, which draws from secondary and primary data collected through field work, points to two systemic root causes for the low diffusion rate: institutional mismatches within and across geographical levels as well as hampered flows of resources across these levels. Based on these findings we derive policy recommendations proposing to formulate a national technology-specific electrification strategy. In terms of insights for the TIS community, we suggest to strengthen the role of culture in empirical TIS analyses and to extend the definition of one specific TIS function.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	Business School > Institute for Sustainable Business Business School > Institute for Sustainable Business > Social Innovation Business School
Name:	Blum, Nicola Ursina; Bening, Catharina R. and Schmidt, Tobias S.
ISSN:	0040-1625
Publisher:	Elsevier
Language:	English
Submitter:	Prof. Dr. Nicola Ursina Blum
Date Deposited:	30 May 2024 16:45
Last Modified:	30 May 2024 16:45
Publisher DOI:	10.1016/j.techfore.2015.02.002
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Low-income country Rural electrification Local technology diffusion Technology transfer
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.21770
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/21770