Brazil is one of the largest biomass producers in the world, thus it has a huge potential for biogas production across all its territory. Nowadays, biogas production remains largely unexplored, representing just a small fraction of its potential. The adoption of biogas technologies has grown over the past years, but it is unevenly distributed across Brazilian states. This master thesis investigates the conditions under which the widespread diffusion of biogas technologies can be enabled in the Brazilian context by looking at the factors that influence the adoption of biogas technologies and why it differs across the Brazilian territory. Technological innovation systems (TIS), societal embedding, and diffusion of innovation theory are combined in the theoretical framework to create a broad understanding of the diffusion process of biogas technologies in Brazil. While TIS focusses on what are the functions been performed within the system, Societal embedding contributes to the understanding of why technological diffusion may not happen in the same way in different regions and how technologies are rooted in society. Diffusion of innovation theory adds to the importance of individual choices and strategies in the adoption of technologies. A comparative case study was design between the states São Paulo and Paraná. 16 semi-structured interviews served as the main research instrument with the support of document studies. When looking at the factors that could impact the adoption of biogas technologies the presence of specialized actors that can offer technical support to the implementation of projects locally proved to be positive considering that biogas technologies are still novel in Brazil. The unreliability of the energy grid in rural regions also favours the adoption of biogas technologies for electricity generation in agriculture properties that can combined waste treatment with energy security. Access to financial and human resources is still the largest barrier for the diffusion of biogas technologies. Financial institutions are at large unprepared to offer good conditions for the implementation of biogas projects, mainly because they do not understand the singularities of these projects. The adoption of biogas technologies in the case studies was mainly dictated by the economic activities in place, which shaped the view on biogas technologies. The complexities of the regulatory environment in Brazil could explain why electricity generation is still the main application of biogas technologies as the electricity market is regulated at national level while gas markets are the responsibility of individual states. When biogas technologies are portraited as a tool for sustainable development, other advantages of these technologies are highlighted – environmental and social benefits such as waste treatment and job creation – creating a better claim for biogas technologies which could boost adoption.

This paper investigates the viability of a machine learning model based on similarities in text structure compared to one based on statistical properties in the text to detect cheating in digital examinations. The machine learning model comparing similarity in text structure used Levenstein distance and the one comparing statistical text properties compared cosine distance between word vectors. The paper also investigates whether security has been a driving force impacting the industrial dynamics of the digitalization of examinations in Sweden. This is done using the multi-level perspective framework and interviewing users of a digital examination platform. The results show that the machine learning model based on statistical text properties has a higher accuracy, recall, precision and F-score. Nothing is concluded from this, however, due to discussion of validity of the results from the machine learning model based on the similarities in text structure. The analysis of the industrial dynamics shows that security has been a driving force towards digitalization.

Many sustainability concerns have led to a push for more sustainable electricity systems. Governments and utilities have responded to these pressures by making changes ranging from minor incremental adjustments to sweeping transformations. This dissertation is focused on determining how we can best understand such transitions of electricity systems and what possibilities exist for First Nations to participate in them. This dissertation involves case studies of three Canadian provinces – Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan – based on a review of relevant documents and semi-structured interviews. The theoretical basis of this dissertation is derived from the sustainability transitions field and discourse coalition theory. The conclusion of this research is a helpful and robust integrated sustainability transition framework, which is developed by combining elements of the multi-level perspective (MLP) and technological innovation system (TIS) frameworks from the sustainability transitions field, and supplementing those elements with features from discourse coalition theory. This integrated sustainability transition framework can usefully explain the complex dynamics involved in transitions of electricity systems. The typology of transition pathways – distinguishing between the possibilities of reproduction, transformation, technological substitution, reconfiguration, and de-alignment/re-alignment – provides insights into the direction of the transition. The various TIS functions add a needed element of agency and provide insights into the rate of progress along the particular transition pathway. Discourse coalition theory adds a greater degree of agency by uncovering the political dynamics involved. By considering factors for successful First Nations participation as important TIS functions, the integrated sustainability transition framework presented in this dissertation helps explain the possibilities for First Nations participation. Successful First Nations participation is more likely to occur where governments are proudly engaging in reconciliation efforts and resurgence support and where they embrace distributed, clean energy projects and deliberately open up space for new actors to participate in the electricity sector. In order to achieve the momentum needed to take advantage of a window of opportunity to participate, First Nations need a project champion, stable governance, access to cash, partnerships with the private sector, and must ensure that the focus remains on sustainable development and delivery of benefits to the entire community.

The ongoing transformation of the energy system along a more sustainable trajectory requires advancements in a range of technological fields, as well as active involvement of different societal groups. Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the built environment in particular is expected to play a crucial long-term role in the deployment of renewable energy technologies in urban areas, demanding the successful cooperation of planners, architects, engineers, scientists and users. The realisation of that technological change will require innovation at both an individual (within firms and organisations) and a collective (sector) level, giving rise to systemic approaches for its characterisation and analysis of its drivers. This study investigates the processes that either accelerate or hinder the development and diffusion of Building-Integrated PV (BIPV) applications into the market. Affected by developments in both the renewable energy and construction industries, the BIPV innovation system is a multi-sectoral case that has been explored only partially up to now. Acknowledging the fact that drivers of innovation span the globalised BIPV supply chain, this research adopts both an international and a national spatial perspective focusing on the UK. The analysis is based on a novel analytical framework which was developed in order to capture innovation dynamics at different levels, including technological advancements within firms, competition and synergy with other emerging and established innovation systems and pressures from the wider socio-economic configuration. This hybrid functional framework was conceived by combining elements from three academic strands: Technological Innovation Systems, the Multi-Level Perspective and Business Studies. The empirical research is based on various methods, including desktop research, semi-structured interviews and in-depth firm-level case studies. A thorough market assessment provides the techno-economic background for the research. The hybrid framework is used as a guide throughout the empirical investigation and is also implemented in the analytical part of the study to organise and interpret the findings, in order to assess the overall functionality of the innovation system. The analysis has underlined a range of processes that affect the development and diffusion of BIPV applications including inherent technological characteristics, societal factors and wider transitions within the energy and construction sectors. Future approaches for the assessment and governance of BIPV innovation will need to address its hybrid character and disruptiveness with regards to incumbent configurations, in order to appreciate its significance over the short and long term. Methodological and conceptual findings show that the combination of insights from different analytical perspectives offers a broader understanding of the processes affecting innovation dynamics in emerging technologies. Different approaches can be used in tandem to overcome methodological weaknesses, provide different analytical perspectives and assess the performance of complex innovation systems, which may span multiple countries and sectors. By better reflecting complexities, tensions and synergies, the framework developed here offers a promising way forward for the analysis of emerging sustainable technologies.

Problem Discussion: The world population is increasing at a rate that the current food production capacity would not be able to sustain. In Sweden, only a small portion of the land area is used for cultivation and there is a high percentage of imports of food. Halland region is located in the southern part of Sweden has its arable land decreased between 2010 to 2020. This adds to the uncertainty of food production in the future in the region and in Sweden in general. Hydroponics combines food production and technology by using minimal space and resources. It is a technique of growing plants in water with nutrients. Despite being utilized in many countries around the world, hydroponics technology has not been widely adopted in the Halland region of Sweden. Purpose: This thesis aims to analyze the functional weaknesses of the hydroponics industry in the region Halland by utilizing the technological innovation systems (TIS) framework. By analyzing the functional dynamics of actors, networks, and institutions, this thesis aims to explore the weaknesses within the functions, which can be a basis for innovation policies for the necessary stakeholders for the further diffusion of the industry in the Halland region. Methodology: An in-depth qualitative case study was utilized in this study with a deductive approach. Authors have used the framework from Beregk (2008) to analyse the functional weakness of the TIS. And tested whether the theory stands true for a regional setting with little to no actor-network dynamics. A semi-structured interview using mostly video conferencing was done to collect data from respondents representing different actors within the technological innovations systems (TIS) framework. Analysis: The data collected from the semi-structured interviews were analyzed using coding software and exported into an Excel sheet for ease of synthesizing the information. The primary data along with secondary sources was used to analyse the functional weaknesses. The data collected were assigned to each function to identify the patterns and come up with findings and conclusions. Findings and Conclusions: An examination of the data reveals that, despite limited actor-network dynamics in the context, notable weaknesses have emerged within the Technology and Innovation System (TIS). These findings can serve as valuable insights for policymakers seeking to facilitate the wider adoption of this technology. This includes an insufficient development of knowledge within the region. Additionally, entrepreneurs face challenges in securing funding beyond the initial stages, which often leads them to employ trial-and-error approaches. This approach, while valuable for learning, 2 consumes significant time and capital resources, compounding uncertainty. Fortunately, being part of the European Union (EU) provides a distinct advantage for the region, as it enables a smooth flow of information and resources from EU counterparts. While the existing theory holds true within this context, there remains scope for further research. Further research for a distinct diffusion system analysis and greater clarity on defining the development of external positivity for an infant industry.

Buildings today represent a large part of societies energy consumption. The increasing environmental awareness has sparked an interest in lowering building energy consumption and building automation systems has been recognized as an effective way of contributing to a more sustainable society. The purpose of this report is to identify the blocking and driving forces between actors in the construction industry when implementing and developing building automation systems. By understanding the blocking and driving forces of a technology in a system, an understanding can be developed of how the industry should act to increase the usage and development of certain technology. Building automation systems can be said to be a systemic innovation, that is, an innovation that affects more than one actor. As there is more than one actor affected by the innovation, systemic innovations are characterized by the complexity when enforcing it. A tool for understanding problems that different actors’ face is the technological innovation framework. This framework has laid the foundation for the analysis of the system strengths and system weaknesses when implementing and developing building automation. In addition, a literature study on technological innovation systems and systemic innovation has been conducted. By examining and evaluating collected data from 19 expert interviews based on the following seven functions presented in the technological innovation framework, five system weaknesses and four system strengths have been identified. The five system weaknesses are (1). The construction industry´s structure and working methods, (2). Lack of industrial cooperation, (3). The conservative attitude in the construction industry, (4). Limited access and development of human capital, and (5) Weak market incentives. Based on these system weaknesses, a discussion was conducted regarding the importance of coordination between the construction industry’s actors and its different disciplines. With the understanding of the four system strengths, (1). Established marked and proven technology, (2). Strong digitalization trends and positive knowledge development, (3). Increased environmental awareness and, (4). Strong urbanization trends, creates an understanding of what factors that drives the systems forward. / Byggnader representerar idag en stor del av den totala energiförbrukningen i samhället. I takt med en ökad miljömedvetenhet har intresset för att sänka byggnaders energiförbrukning blivit en allt viktigare fråga och fastighetsautomation har uppmärksammats som ett effektivt sätt för att bidra till ett mer hållbart samhälle. Syfte med denna rapport är att identifiera de systemsvagheter och systemstyrkor som finns mellan aktörerna i byggindustrin vid implementering och utveckling av fastighetsautomation. Genom att förstå systemsvagheterna och systemstyrkorna för en teknologi i ett system kan förståelse skapas för hur en industri skall agera för att kunna öka användandet och utvecklingen av en viss teknik. Fastighetsautomation kan sägas vara en systemisk innovation, det vill säga en innovation som påverkar fler än en part. I och med att flera aktörer påverkas av innovationen kännetecknas systemiska innovationer av dess komplexitet att genomföra. Ett verktyg för att förstå de bakomliggande utmaningarna för ett system är det teknologiska innovationsramverket. Ramverket har legat till grund för analysen kring systemstyrkor och systemsvagheter inom området för fastighetsautomation. Till detta har även en litteraturstudie genomförts kring teknologiska innovationssystem samt systemisk innovation. Genom att ha undersökt insamlade data från 19 expertintervjuer baserade på de sju funktionerna som presenterats i det teknologiska innovationsramverket, har fem systemsvagheter och fyra systemstyrkor kunnat identifieras. De fem systemsvagheterna är (B1). Byggindustrins uppbyggnad och arbetssätt, (B2). Bristande industriell samverkan, (B3). Byggindustrins konservativa attityd, (B4). Begränsad tillgång och utveckling av humankapital, och (B5) Svaga marknadsincitament. Baserat på systemsvagheterna förs en diskussion kring vikten av samordning mellan byggindustrins aktörer och discipliner. Med förståelsen för de fyra systemstyrkorna, (D1). Etablerad marknad och beprövad teknik, (D2). Stark digitaliseringstrend och positiv kunskaps tillförsel, (D3). Ökad miljömedvetenhet och (D4). Stark urbaniseringstrend, skapas en förståelse för faktorer som gynnar byggindustrins arbete med fastighetsautomation.

Meat substitutes are an increasingly popular subject area for sustainability studies and industrial transition.  A transition to plant-based alternatives requires a substantial value chain with the ability to withstand transitional structure and market changes. While the value chain poses challenges at each level, considering the topmost level reveals unique market dynamics specific to the agriculture of legumes.  Western markets have shown a trend favoring plant-based protein as a sustainable source of nutrition however, research on raw material sourcing, processing, and its market structure is limited, often with low government intervention. The Indian agriculture sector comprises mainly legume farming, contributing to a significant portion of the country’s economy. This thesis aims to describe the actor interactions in the Indian agriculture sector with a focus on drivers and hindrances that promote and limit the growth of the legume agriculture technological innovation system.  Using qualitative research methods to gather data from candidates directly involved in the legume trade has proven insightful. Findings show that there are complex interaction scenarios between the actors involved. Restricted by the size of farming area, target markets, and market convention, farmers are subjected to a lock-in type scenario with respect to sales and purchasers. Although government intervention offers protection and assistance, it remains a safety net for the agriculture community. Authoritative influence is used to promote policy however, interactions between actors are not optimized to support this change effectively.  Inter-organizational and actor networks are weak apart from certain business relationships arising from contractual obligations. Knowledge development is present but formal procedures of knowledge diffusion are absent, leaving opportunities not being capitalized on. The study discusses the merits and demerits of this system using the Technology Innovation System framework functions for the analysis. Limitations of the theoretical framework is discussed as a modified version of the framework is utilized in this thesis, giving importance to interactions and localized application of TIS functions.

This master thesis studies alternative energy sources for maritime shipping in Sweden. With current climate goals, and a need for change, the maritime sector currently undergoes intense transitions. For shipping companies to lower their carbon footprint, the need to replace non decarbonised fuels is hence critical. With numerous alternatives, currently being developed, actors are phasing obstacles regarding which energy source that is most mature in terms of technical readiness as well as how adequate it will fulfil current climate goals. This study will analyse four different energy sources, liquid hydrogen (LH2), electro-methanol (emethanol), electro-ammonia (e-ammonia) and wind (sails), and answer which out of these energy sources will be most suitable for actors to adapt. To answer this question, the Technological Innovation System framework has been utilised, and the results has been applied to some chosen climate target actions developed by Swedish authorities. The findings proved that e-methanol currently is most mature and has reached most alignment with current climate goals, followed by LH2/wind and lastly e-ammonia. / Detta examensarbete studerar alternativa energikällor för fraktfartyg i Sverige. Med nuvarande klimatmål, och ett behov av förändring, genomgår den maritima sektorn intensiva omställningar. För att rederier ska kunna sänka sitt koldioxidavtryck är behovet att ersätta icke koldioxidneutrala bränslen därför stort. Med ett flertal alternativ, som för närvarande är under utveckling, står aktörer inför hinder angående vilken energikälla som är mest redo gällande teknikmognadsgrad samt hur adekvat den kommer att uppfylla nuvarande klimatmål. Denna studie kommer att analysera fyra olika energikällor, flytande väte (LH2), elektro-metanol (e-metanol), elektro-ammoniak (e-ammoniak) och vind (segel), och ta reda på vilka av dessa energikällor som är mest lämpad för aktörer att använda sig av. För att svara på denna fråga har ramverket Technological Innovation Systems använts och resultaten har tillämpats på några utvalda klimatmålsåtgärder som tagits fram av svenska myndigheter. Resultaten visade att e-metanol för närvarande är mest mogen och har nått mest anpassning till nuvarande klimatmål, följt av LH2/vind och slutligen e-ammoniak.