| Title |
Innovating in the off-grid sector: Sustainable supply chains and business models for solar home system provision in Bangladesh and Kenya |
| ID_Doc |
65682 |
| Authors |
Heinemann, G |
| Title |
Innovating in the off-grid sector: Sustainable supply chains and business models for solar home system provision in Bangladesh and Kenya |
| Year |
2022 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.erss.2022.102853 |
| Abstract |
According to researchers and planners, the provision of solar home systems benefits rural electrification and electricity access. It creates opportunities for income generating activities, economic growth, and innovation. This article introduces an ontology of evaluation methods for the provision of solar home systems and demon-strates how a complementary approach can be used to value innovation and sustainability on the supply side. For both case studies, Kenya and Bangladesh, a historical event analysis of sector data from 2013 to 2021 is carried out to measure diffusion-based innovation. Business model innovation is then used to assess the value of solar firms' organizational innovation. It is found that above all high levels of entrepreneurial activities and resource mobilization are key factors for a strong supply side. If these factors are complemented by innovative, user -centric business models, sustainable supply of solar home systems can be achieved. Limitations are high-lighted and the implications of non-quantifiable assessment criteria are addressed. From a supply standpoint, researchers and planners may utilize the results to demonstrate the advantages of private sector-led solar home system provision, to answer concerns about the sustainability of their deployment, and to guide and design further research studies. |
| Author Keywords |
Business model innovation; Off -grid electrification; Organizational models; Solar home systems; Supply side innovation; Technological innovation system |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:000890202800016 |
| WoS Category |
Environmental Studies |
| Research Area |
Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
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