JP e3s. The Joint Programme on "Economic, Environmental and Social Impacts of the Energy Transition” sets out to understand the complex interactions in socio-technical-economic systems, which include, among other things, consumer behavior and engagement, market dynamics, collective action, innovation, and technological change, and the entire policy cycle.
JP e3s is a crosscutting Joint Programme whose members collaborate with other technology-specific JPs, and through such synergies, we develop a transdisciplinary approach and deploy a variety of methods in our project work, including qualitative research, statistical data analysis, integrated assessment, case study analysis, humanities, and engineering. We also seek to be flexible and adaptable to meet new challenges as they emerge.
Vision. JP e3s promotes an energy transition where people and society are at the heart of solving our climate and ecological challenges. We do this by providing timely, high quality, rigorous research results that support policy making within our respective member states and across the European Union.
Background. Addressing climate and energy challenges in Europe will require a societal transition in the way we produce and use energy and resources. Technical and social solutions need to intertwine. The integration is pivotal to achieving a systemic shift that stays within the environmental limits while providing the people with clean, affordable, and secure energy services in an equitable and just way.
Thus, the energy transition goes beyond just technical systems and top-down engineered solutions. It requires the engagement of various social actors, from individual citizens and households, collective actions, to prosumers, companies, public administration, retailers, and distributors. This includes innovative processes to allow people to take an active part in decision-making processes and being a driving force behind the transition.
It is imperative to consider social components beyond just the market, consumers, and “social acceptance.” Moreover, we see that civil society can lead to transitions, and this will be necessary if we are to preserve and strengthen democratic institutions. Therefore, we need systems thinking and new research methodologies that combine technology and social aspects.
