ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how Science and Technology Studies (STS) contribute to challenging common understandings in the context of sustainability transitions. The emphasis is on the demand-side of these transitions, highlighting its significance beyond technology adoption. STS expands the role of people in transitions, emphasizing their active participation in shaping future societies and sustainability transitions, rather than being passive adopters of new technologies.
By broadening perspectives on users, consumers, and citizens, STS sheds new light on innovation, policy-making, and justice implications in transitions. The perception and envisioning of users by policy makers and innovators influence technology and policy design, as well as technology usage and perception. This intersection presents the potential for the emergence of new injustices. Unequal distribution of access to “green” technologies in society is one example, but biases and injustices can also be embedded within technologies themselves. For instance, “smart” energy technologies may require specific skills, personal interests, and ownership of large energy-consuming homes to be effectively utilized. By focusing on users and consumption, STS provides valuable insights for innovators and policy makers to address these issues and create more equitable and sustainable transitions.
