Rethinking the diffusion of grassroots innovations : An embedding framework

• This paper conceptualises the ways grassroots innovations (GIs) influence sustainability transitions. While research on GI diffusion tends to use the three-pathway model (replication, scaling up and translation), this paper rethinks GI diffusion through the lenses of an embedding framework. We illustrate this framework by applying it to the empirical case of ecovillages in the Global North and South. The results show that GIs become embedded in wider society through different dynamics: expansion, reframing, circulation of knowledge, shifting material arrangements and replication. The embedding framework brings clarity to diverse dynamics of diffusion and is particularly able to grasp the cultural, cognitive, economic and environmental impacts of GI initiatives. 

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Diffusion of innovations

Ecovillages

Grassroots innovations

Social innovations

Social movements

Sustainability transitions

Embeddings

Environmental impact

Sustainable development

Eco-village

Grassroot innovation

Innovations diffusion

Scaling-up

Sustainability transition

Through the lens

developing world

grassroots level

innovation

social movement

sustainability

Diffusion

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)