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Energy system transition research has been experimenting with the integration of qualitative and quantitative analysis due to the increased articulation it provides. Current approaches tend to be heavily biased by qualitative or quantitative methodologies, and more often are aimed toward a single academic discipline. This paper proposes an interdisciplinary methodology for the elaboration of energy system socio-technical scenarios, applied here to the low carbon transition of the UK. An iterative approach was used to produce quantitative descriptions of the UK's energy transition out to 2050, building on qualitative storylines or narratives that had been developed through the formal application of a transition pathways approach. The combination of the qualitative and quantitative analysis in this way subsequently formed the cornerstone of wider interdisciplinary research, helping to harmonise assumptions, and facilitating ‘whole systems’ thinking. The methodology pulls on niche expertise of contributors to map and investigate the governance and technological landscape of a system change. Initial inconsistencies were found between energy supply and demand and addressed, the treatment of gas generation, capacity factors, total installed generating capacity and installation rates of renewables employed. Knowledge gaps relating to the operation of combined heat and power, sources of waste heat and future fuel sources were also investigated. Adopting the methodological approach to integrate qualitative and quantitative analysis resulted in a far more comprehensive elaboration than previously, providing a stronger basis for wider research, and for deducing more robust insights for decision-making. It is asserted that this formal process helps build robust future scenarios not only for socio political storylines but also for the quantification of any qualitative storyline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite a deepening understanding of systems and processes by which the innovation and diffusion of cleaner technologies occurs, relatively little attention has been given to the development of policy processes that reflect this deeper understanding. A set of guiding principles for improving sustainable innovation policy processes has been formulated and disseminated by the authors and colleagues in research drawing on theoretical and empirical analysis, including a case study of low carbon energy innovation in the UK, and interactions with policy-makers and other stakeholders through a series of workshops. This paper elaborates on two of the guiding principles: (1) stimulating the development of a sustainable innovation policy regime, bringing together innovation and environmental policy regimes; (2) applying systems thinking, engaging with the complexity and systemic interactions of innovation systems and policy-making processes, to promote a transition to sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines two paths by which the work of Herbert Simon has influenced the development of ecological and evolutionary economics: bounded rationality and hierarchical complexity. It argues that there is scope for further consideration of the implications of these ideas, particularly their inter-relation. This is illustrated through some recent ideas on the co-evolution of technologies and institutions. This is related to understanding transitions of technological systems, and how these might be steered or modulated towards greater sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]