Open AccessConstructing Expectations for Solar Technology over Multiple Field-Configuring Events
Author(s) -
Heli Nissilä,
Tea Lempiälä,
Raimo Lovio
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
science and technology studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.675
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 2243-4690
DOI - 10.23987/sts.55334
Subject(s) - vision , field (mathematics) , narrative , work (physics) , event (particle physics) , energy (signal processing) , sociology , epistemology , engineering , mechanical engineering , philosophy , physics , statistics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , anthropology , pure mathematics , linguistics
The existence of positive expectations is of particular importance for emerging clean energy technologies that are not yet competitive on the market in terms of cost or performance. The sociology of expectations literature studies how expectations can further technological fields. We contribute to this literature by studying expectations work through multiple “field-configuring events” in an effort to map out field development over time. Our analysis demonstrates six narrative themes and the evolvement of expectations work to further solar technology. We suggest that event-based expectations work is fruitful for exploring complementary visions and expectations for a new technology. Rather than explicitly aligning expectations, events can lead to an initially narrow storyline gradually spreading into multiple narratives upon which to build a field’s future and, thereby, guide and strengthen the advocacy. This form of guidance is especially important in early phases of field formation.