Triangulation to understand Smart Grid Transitions

Triangulation is a social sciences approach to understand real-world phenomena using different theoretical perspectives and methods in order to compensate for the specific weaknesses of each individual method and theory and to strengthen the value and legitimacy through combined use. This enables a comprehensive approach and the complementary use of domain knowledge, concepts and heuristics (as well as qualitative and quantitative methods) from different scientific domains, including from social science and humanities as well as engineering and natural sciences.

When multiple perspectives towards Smart Grid Transitions are are taken into account, the probability is highest that analysis, target horizons and policy options can be understood in a differentiated manner, priorities can be set in an informed manner and incompatibilities and synergies can be identified and orchestrated.

The Glossary therefore looks at phenomena from three different perspectives: Institutions (Rules, Regulations, Norms, Cognitive Frames, Social Networks) / Ecosystem (System of Actors & Stakeholders, Agency, Practices, Behaviour, Strategies) / Technology (Energy System Functions & Infrastructures & Technologies)

On the Wiki pages, we use the following abbreviations to indicate, which levels are taken into account in the entry between <.>

<T> …. Technology

<E> …. Ecosystem

<I> …. Institutions