ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the theoretical frameworks through which effective mechanisms for sustainable energy technology uptake in urban Latin America are analysed. The key purpose of the chapter is to assess the applicability of some of the principal conventional and alternative systemic approaches to help explain RET adoption in the urban developing world. Conventional frameworks, emphasizing economic and technical factors affecting RET use in the urban developing world are useful but fail to capture important socio-political dimensions that emerged through the author’s analysis at the meso level. Systemic approaches have been proposed as an alternative lens to examine RET adoption. The author chose them as they attempt to include socio-technical, political and economic facets at various scales. Second, systemic approaches examine networks, relationships and interactions, so as to better understand how choices are being made on the ground. Some of the prominent frameworks used to examine energy system change include sustainability transitions/transitions management, and innovation systems and multicriteria analysis. However, in order to attend to some of the more intricate dynamics occurring on the ground, this book focuses on Rogers’ diffusions of innovations as well as a framework developed by the author – urban technology cooperation – which builds upon previous technology diffusion and transfer/innovation frameworks. The final dimension explored is the potential role that indirect, or broader policies (namely trade and competitiveness policies) may have on RET adoption. An examination of these approaches serves as the core focus of the chapter discussed below.
