How can energy become a community endeavor in Europe? Consortium benchmarking strategies for the mobilization of collective action initiatives

Bibliographic Data

ID13068061
AuthorsJay Sterling Gregg (0000-0001-8759-9658), Simon Bolwig (0000-0003-1537-7938, Roskilde University, corresponding author), Alessandro Sciullo (University of Turin), Osman Arrobbio (0000-0001-7422-5999, University of Parma), Wit Hubert (0000-0001-5359-2503, Jagiellonian University), Nele Ivask, Izaskun Jimenez Iturriza (0000-0003-2351-4429, Association of Electronic and Information Technologies), Erika Meynaerts (0000-0001-5958-8249), Anna Novaresio (0000-0002-8471-0143, University of Turin), Lucia Polo-Alvarez (0000-0002-6640-5030, Association of Electronic and Information Technologies), André Vizinho (0000-0002-0503-3624), Esther van der Waal (0000-0002-3560-4272, University of Groningen)
Year2023
Volume98
Pages103005-103005
Publication date2023-03-03
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEnergy Research & Social Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2214-6296 • E-ISSN: 2214-6326
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.erss.2023.103005
OpenAlexW4323033548
LanguageEN
References cited20

A consortium benchmarking (CB) approach was used to conduct a study on development mechanisms and best practices for Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs) in the energy sector. National research teams (NRTs) were created in six European countries (Belgium, Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain) each of which consisted of approximately five CAIs, as well as other stakeholders, governing bodies, and academic researchers. In total, 32 CAIs served as case studies. Each of the NRTs co-created research questions and methodologies to address the issues relevant to the case study CAIs. The results were then synthesized with respect to the dimensions of CAI mobilization (alignment of interests and engagement, organization and governance, resources, external actors and institutions, and policy and regulation) and how they contribute to the development and proliferation of CAIs. From the empirical findings, we reflect on the usefulness of the CB approach as a tool for engagement in research and derive recommendations for how CAIs can be better supported. We find that the CB approach was effective at engaging the CAIs in the research and strengthening their networks. Such networks, as well as collaboration with external actors, are vital for the success of CAIs through assisting with specialized skill sets, developing strategies for attracting a representative and diverse membership base, for securing financing, and for gaining political and social legitimacy. These networks can provide critical support to CAIs to navigate the dimensions of mobilization and allowing for the CAI to flourish

Benchmarking · Business · Collective action · Corporate governance · Economics · Legitimacy · Management · Mobilization · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Sociology · Law · Policy Transfer and Learning · Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance · Marketing

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