This text has been translated from Norwegian with the assistance of GPT UiO
– The need for energy transition presents several challenges, including land-use conflicts and competition for electricity supply among various actors and sectors, he explains.
– At the same time, state and municipal institutional governance structures are challenged by the need for transition. These structures are often segmented into sectors with limited cross-sectoral cooperation.
Markus Bugge, associate professor at the Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture (TIK), will lead the project “Capacities for Energy Transition Governance,” one of seven collaborative projects receiving between NOK 10 and 12 million each from the Research Council.
- Read in Norwegian: 416 million for energy research
Bureaucratic barriers
He mentions that today’s policy framework and institutional governance structures at state and municipal levels have been developed over a long period and are world-class in many respects.
– However, they are not designed to handle complex, interdisciplinary challenges like climate change, he emphasises.
According to Bugge, it is necessary to assess whether the current governance structures and organisation of public administration pose potential barriers to energy transition and how these can be strengthened and promoted by reviewing and updating them.
System update
The TIK researcher reveals that he received notice of the funding from one of the project’s partners who had seen the announcement from the Research Council. Both NIFU (Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education), KS, and Innovation Norway are involved in the project.
– For me, this is an opportunity to delve deeper into a topic I am passionate about and build upon things I have worked on previously.
– Over many years, I have studied how to create effective systems for learning, knowledge development, and innovation.
– This project examines how these systems might also hinder the transition needed going forward, so I look forward to working more on these issues related to system change.
Bugge informs that TIK will establish a doctoral position for the project and that both he and colleague Taran Thune will be relieved from other duties to participate. The project aligns with TIK's research portfolio on the green shift and transformation of Norway’s economy and societal life.
– Lastly, this represents an exciting opportunity to collaborate closely with KS and Innovation Norway – two strong and influential players in Norwegian innovation policy, concludes the project leader.
How is energy transition governed?
TIK's centre leader, Kristin Asdal, points out that the project fits well within the themes explored at TIK.
– The international field of "transition studies" is at the core of our research at TIK, and it is immensely gratifying that we receive NFR support to continue developing this field, she notes.
– Understanding the dynamics of energy transition and how it can be managed and governed is crucial. Congratulations to Markus and Taran on this!