Transformation of Energy Systems as Common Projects: An Integration of Different Scientific Approaches to Address Real-World Challenges

Changes in attitudes and behavior are just as important as technological innovations and policy decisions when it comes to the transformation of energy systems. However, social science still plays a minor role with respect to energy research. In addition, social-science-based energy research tends to focus on a single subject of interest with only one scientific method. However, energy system transformations are complex transformational processes that require holistic research approaches in order to succeed. The combination of qualitative and quantitative social science research generates, for instance, an extensive state of knowledge about citizens' acceptance and support of energy system transformations. Participation research is a promising line of research for improving transformational processes. This paper shows that the integration of different knowledge types, perspectives, methods, and research disciplines is key to understanding energy system transformations and developing recommendations to address the challenges they pose. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.