To Örebro University

Our chapter explores how technological innovation and socio-behavioral change interact in shaping the future of energy systems in the quest for carbon neutrality. We present a strategic analysis of four divergent scenarios—Disrupt, Downsize, Scaleup, and Conserve. Drawing on data from a Swedish research project that includes case studies, a Delphi study, and scenario analysis, we highlight the importance of imagining desirable futures, policy frameworks, and adaptive strategies, and offer a comprehensive framework for understanding potential pathways toward achieving the Paris Agreement targets. By examining each scenario’s implications for stakeholders such as utilities, investors, consumers, and policymakers, our chapter highlights different approaches to decarbonization. The implications can guide stakeholders to better anticipate future developments, identify risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions that contribute to a resilient and equitable energy future.

This paper explores the concept of value-in-non-use within industrial business networks, emphasizing the importance of stewardship in managing natural resources and ecosystems. Traditional theories in industrial networks often link resource value to their use in relation to other resources. However, this paper argues that some resources possess intrinsic value in their non-use, which is crucial for sustainability. By examining the relational ontology of resources, the paper proposes a framework for understanding and incorporating non-use values into business network analyses. This approach aims to protect resources from overexploitation while still allowing for economic interactions. The concept of network stewardship is introduced, advocating for institutional arrangements that recognize and preserve the non-use value of resources, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial practices.

This article extends the exploration of potential futures as envisioned in science fiction (SF) literature by analyzing how emerging trends are portrayed through a structured analytical framework. Specifically, it examines award-winning SF novels, focusing on political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental (PESTLE) dimensions as imagined by prominent authors within the genre. Thus, the purpose of the article is to provide an overview of emerging trends and tendencies within imagined futures as depicted in acclaimed SF literature, framed through the lens of PESTLE analysis. To this end, four future scenarios were extrapolated from a selection of 42 novels that have either won or been nominated for major SF awards-the Nebula and the Hugo. These scenarios are: Solar System Expansion, Cyber High-Tech Future, Post-Contraction Society, and Dystopian Future. Each scenario is assessed according to its political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental characteristics.

Purpose: Literature is abundant in identifying challenges related to multi-actor and cross-sector collaboration needed in circular economy transitions. This conceptual paper applies theoretical perspectives from the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing literature (IMP) to better understand these challenges and the underlying mechanisms of network change. Specifically, we examine the theoretical constructs of adaptations, interconnectedness, and embeddedness to provide insights into network change in the circular economy transition. This approach thus takes the behavioral instead of technical approach to CE.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper is a conceptual study in which existing literature on CE is enriched by employing knowledge from the literature on business relationships and industrial networks. The present study seeks to develop a model by using the IMP theories as method theories to increase understanding of CE transitions.

Findings: We develop a set of fundamental premises that reconcile the gaps in the CE literature and provide guidance for facilitating network change in CE transitions. Finally, we develop a theoretical model of network change in CE transitions, including solutions to address the identified challenges.

Originality/value: The findings of the present study offer a contribution to the existing literature on CE transition, especially the theoretical discussion related to CE challenges. The paper conceptually advances the literature on CE transition by proposing three premises depicting the network change mechanisms toward CE.

Through a case study, this article illustrates the value creation process of how value propositions are created and developed at the Swedish Public Employment Service from the theoretical stance of public service logic and ecosystem thinking. Previous research has devoted scant attention to value propositions as promises of value, i.e., before the user creates value-in-use. This case study contributes to the literature on public administration and management, and more precisely on the growing research of PSL, by analyzing how public service organizations interact with their service users to facilitate value creation based on promises of value throughout the value process. In this paper, the value process is understood as three interlocking spheres: the provider sphere, user sphere, and joint sphere.