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Alternative technology niches and sustainable development
Adrian Smith
Science & Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
Abstract
This paper contrasts two niche-based approaches to sustainable development, both recommended for greening technology systems. One is new, the other is old. In fact, a gap of thirty years separates Strategic Niche Management (SNM) from the Alternative Technology movement (AT), yet both share a niche-based perspective on change.
Their core approach is to generate knowledge and disseminate lessons about sustainable technological practices through innovative, bottom-up activities. The ambition for both is to seed a sustainable transformation of incumbent technological regimes. SNM proves to be more managerial in its approach; while AT conceptualises niches as a much more grassroots activity.
This reflects their different histories. Comparisons between the two uncover some fundamental issues regarding alternative technology niches and sustainable development.
Keywords
alternative technology, strategic niche management, grassroots innovation, sustainable development, technology policy
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