Of solar collectors, wind power, and car sharing: Comparing and understanding successful cases of grassroots innovations

摘要: Grassroots activities so far have not been sufficiently appreciated as sources of innovation. Transition processes towards more sustainable socio-technical energy, transport or production systems, however, are hardly imaginable without a broader participation engaged citizens. This paper presents and compares three cases successful grassroots innovations for sustainability. In particular we compare the development wind technology in Denmark, solar collector do-it-yourself movement Austria, car sharing Switzerland. The aims at better understanding preconditions, patterns growth change factors success regimes such energy transport. analysis focus on dimensions structural conditions resources origin, motivations social actors involved, learning outcomes, competences those actors, institution-building, relationships to mainstream market actors. Based empirical background discusses implications theorisation greater sustainability draws further research.