SONNET has produced the following main results:
1. Diversity of social innovation in the energy sector (SIE): We have mapped 500+ initiatives across 8 European countries. Based on theoretical considerations, we distinguished 12 ideal-type SIE and 18 empirical SIE clusters in a typology capturing the diversity of SIE. Our empirical research diving into 6 of these clusters in more detail has confirmed the value of our SIE typology for conducting tailored research and devising type-specific research and policy implications.
2. Enabling and impeding conditions for SIE: We have analysed 18 case studies regarding historical and current processes of SIE-fields and their SIE-initiatives (in 6 European countries). We have also conducted six city labs (in Mannheim, Antwerp, Bristol, Grenoble, Warsaw and Basel) covering various SIE types and evaluated them as part of a transdisciplinary research process. We have also assessed citizens’ perceptions of 4 selected SIE types and acceptance of these in 3 countries (PL, DE, FR). Finally, we have investigated the role of urban collaborative governance arrangements, policy networks, power and policy mixes in enabling but also impeding SIE.
3. Success and evaluation of SIE: We have developed and applied a SIE evaluation scheme, and have assessed the suitability of novel data sources for future evaluation efforts. We have also analysed the alignment of EU and SIE goals, showing the greatest synergies regarding the increase of renewables production and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Future potential of different SIE types: For the SONNET citizen surveys, we have designed experiments on 3 SIE types to assess their future potential: investment and financing mechanisms in renewable electricity generation projects, participation in renewable energy cooperatives, and energy gamification through mobile applications; we also investigated protest against specific energy pathways. From our representative survey with approx. 6,000 participants we found that up to 90% of citizens would consider investing in renewables or participating in another SIE if the conditions were right, suggesting a massive potential for various types of SIE to be tapped into.
5. Encourage successful SIE: We have been collecting rich data on governance arrangements, policy networks, power and policy making as basis for deriving policy strategies. We also facilitated a policy dialogue on the role of SIE in the Fit-for-55-package in Brussels, developed policy recommendations on how to better harness the potential of SIE, devised a city lab guide that informs other cities of our lessons learned on how to conduct successful SIE experiments, and contributed to a joint policy brief with our 3 sister projects on how to put people at the heart of energy transitions.
6. Accelerate sustainable energy transitions: We have developed and implemented a co-creation and dissemination strategy, and set up a dedicated website, social media channels, conducted 8 webinars, published 5 energy reads and infographics, produced postcards, published various academic articles and guest-edited a special issue, contributed to public events, organised 2 regional training workshops and a final conference, integrated our findings into teaching materials, recorded 2 project videos, and produced a final toolkit that brings together our key insights in an easily accessible digital format.
