Technology phase-out as unravelling of socio-technical configurations: Cloud seeding case

Zahar Koretsky*, Harro van Lente

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Deliberate technology phase-out is being recognised as a viable policy option to weaken incumbent socio-technical configurations. At the same time, phase-out as a phenomenon has not been the focus of much attention in innovation studies and science and technology studies, where interest in emergence of technologies dominates. This is puzzling because phase-outs of sociotechnical configurations are real-world phenomena. We propose a conceptual framework to study the dynamics of phase-outs of socio-technical configurations drawing from social practice theory which offers specific, nuanced, yet simple heuristics to trace the multifaceted character of socio-technical configurations. We explore an historical case of an incomplete phase-out by revisiting cloud seeding technology in the US. We show how the incomplete phase-out of cloud seeding was reflected in incomplete disruption of linkages between the material, cognitive and symbolic elements of the configuration. This case shows how a technology once considered problematic can resurface and regain legitimacy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)302-317
Number of pages16
JournalEnvironmental innovation and societal transitions
Volume37
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • CONSUMPTION PRACTICES
  • CREATIVE DESTRUCTION
  • Cloud seeding
  • DESTABILIZATION
  • DYNAMICS
  • ENERGY TRANSITIONS
  • Geoengineering
  • INNOVATION SYSTEMS
  • Innovation
  • POLICY MIXES
  • POLITICS
  • SILVER-IODIDE
  • Social practice theory
  • Sustainability transitions
  • Technology phase-out
  • WEATHER-MODIFICATION
  • SOCIOLOGY

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