关键词: 可持续转型, 技术创新系统, 乡村屋顶光伏, 技术扩散, 转型差异

Abstract:

Based on the Technological Innovation systems (TIS) in transition studies, this paper constructs an analytical framework of geographies of transition process studies for China's rural socio-cultural contexts. This framework is particularly used to explore the dynamic process and its characteristics of rural household PV technology diffusion (represented as PV products). Based on our multiple in-depth fieldworks conducted in S village of Jiaxing, Zhejiang between 2017and 2021, the findings are: ① there are two groups in S village, which have generated two distinct modes of PV technology diffusion. One is the "state-led" model: the local government not only provides PV equipment and related technology support to all households of one group for free, but also pays the rent for households' roofs. In so doing, this model attempts to set a demonstration for the other group; The other is the "firm-led" model: firms, rather than the government, promote and sell PV equipment to households. This requires the villagers of the group to purchase PV products on their own; ② the first model involves state guarantee, which has brought about a high level of social acceptance for PV technology, leading to a high installation rate. However, due to the lack of users' experience of the technology, there is a lack of rational knowledge creation and dissemination. This model, despite its nature of state-led project, fails to generate an enabling demonstration effect for other households in the village; The second model is led by private firms. Firms complete each other to achieve sell records as quick as possible, which has resulted in the creation of knowledge on the PV technology is highly profit-oriented and not based on the fact. Besides, compared to the first model, this model lacks state guarantee. It thus has led to a low degree of social acceptance and of PV installation rate;③The two models both lack users-based, rational knowledge creation and dissemination. They are also ill-equipped with multiple actors who can enable cognitive coordination and resource mobilization for PV technology diffusion. Neither model has generated an enabling process of legitimization and has failed to build up a technological innovation system; ④ The specific rural socio-culture contexts of China play a crucial role in affecting the efficiency of the creation and dissemination of rational knowledge on green technologies. This paper reflects the current research inquiry on the sustainability transitions that studies should go beyond the existing research focus on the urban context. It is highly needed to put more emphasis on the role of the rural socio-culture context, and it's embedded in the agency. This paper also provides a sound empirical basis for the broader theorization project for future's geography of transition studies in China.

Key words: sustainability transitions, technological innovation systems, rural roof PV, technological diffusion, transition differences