Industrializing theories: A thematic analysis of conceptual frameworks and typologies for industrial sociotechnical change in a low-carbon future

Decarbonizing industry represents a critical challenge, requiring massive technology up-scaling, accelerated investment, and substantial science-supported policy changes. Such broad challenges call for inputs from diverse disciplinary perspectives. In this paper we identify, analyze and synthesize theories and conceptual frameworks shaping industrial decarbonization research, with the aim of exploring those most relevant for understanding industrial sociotechnical change in a low-carbon future. We draw from an expert-guided process covering 71 years of academic literature to present 88 distinct theories connected to industrial decarbonization and change. Based on an expert review, a literature review, and thematic analysis, we identify eight families of perspectives: theories of sociotechnical transitions, innovation and diffusion, social equity and acceptance, space place and geography, organizational behavior and management, politics and governance, risk and communication, and industrial ecology and sociology. We analyze these theories in terms of their 'fit' to the topic of industrial decarbonization, with 25 theories identified as being core. The second part of the study delves more deeply into typologies of underlying focus, theoretical emphasis, scale and unit of analysis, temporality, and theoretical crossovers. We conclude with implications for synthesis and lacuna in theory selection. In doing so, we seek to broaden conceptual debates that often risk being narrowly discussed in silos, missing opportunities from cross-disciplinary pollination. We provide a toolkit for researchers to utilize when studying industrial decarbonization, decline, and change. We also offer strategies for ordering, selecting, and synthesizing diverse theoretical options.

Automated summary

This paper identifies and synthesizes 88 theories connected to industrial decarbonization and change, with 25 theories identified as core. The study delves into typologies of underlying focus, theoretical emphasis, scale and unit of analysis, and temporal aspects. The paper emphasizes the importance of cross-disciplinary pollination and offers a toolkit for researchers and strategies for theoretical selection and synthesis.