Topics in Public Policy: Governing the Energy Transition

Abstract

This research seminar addresses the role of policy change and its underlying politics in the transformation of the energy and other climate and sustainability-related sectors. It focuses on political perspectives (while also touching on historical and socio-economic perspectives) and applies various theoretical concepts to understand specific aspects of transition governance.

Objective

- To gain an overview of the history of the transition of large socio-technical systems - To recognize challenges for transformative policy change and to understand the theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying transitions - To develop own research question and address it in research paper that demonstrates knowledge of the role of policy and politics in transitions

Content

Climate change, access to energy and other societal challenges are directly linked to the way we use and create energy. Both the recent United Nations Paris climate change agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals make a fast and extensive transition of socio-technical systems necessary. This course - together with the lecture "Governing the Energy Transition" - introduces the social and environmental challenges involved in the energy sector as a key sector in need of transition. It compares the current situation with historical socio-technical transitions and derives the consequences for policy-making. It then focuses on the role of public policy and policy change in governing complex socio-technical transitions, considering the role of political actors, institutions and policy feedback. The course has a highly interactive (seminar-like) character. Students are expected to actively engage in the discussions and to give a presentation (15-20 minutes) on their own research project. In addition to the seminar, students will write a research paper of approximately 6000 words, guided by and in collaboration with the lecturer. Moreover, students have to participate in the weekly sessions and exam of the lecture "Governing the energy transition".

Resources