Agata Stasik

As we witness a radical increase in the volume and variety of digital data, it should not come as a surprise that social sciences have become increasingly ‘datafied’. The traditional social sciences, such as sociology or anthropology, are thus under the threat of becoming marginalized or even irrelevant because of the prevalence of the new methods of research, which require more computational skills. This chapter describes a way for researchers to enter this new domain and keep their advantage of mastering qualitative research relevant: a new, mixed-method of Thick Big Data, relying on a combination of quantitative approaches (data scraping, Social Network Analysis, culturomics, sentiment analysis) with qualitative ones (digital ethnography, narrative analysis, cultural studies). The chapter outlines how these approaches may blend, and offers some practical advice for a researcher without coding skills on how to take the first steps in online research, through examples focused on Wikipedia.

Achieving climate-neutrality by mid-century and its intermediary reduction targets for 2030, notably the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 55% by 2030, requires an accelerated transformation of our systems of production and consumption. In essence, such transformations are socio-technical change processes that require a combination of technological and social innovation. While it is widely acknowledged that ambitious climate and energy policies are needed to accelerate such transition processes, research and practise have largely focused on their importance for spurring technological innovation. In this research perspective, we argue that energy and climate policy making should pay more attention to social innovation as much needed additional puzzle piece for successful decarbonisation. Such social innovation is diverse, ranging from renewable energy cooperatives, to participatory incubation and experimentation, and crowdfunding as well as local electricity exchange. Based ...

The outcome of the Erasmus+ project Responsible Research and Innovation Learning are learning modules to anchor the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). This required to develop a coherent concept of what sustainability and sustainable development is and which is the linkage to RRI. This discussion paper is not a result of an empirical research, but a revision of selected works consulted as policy documents, technical reports, articles and books on sustainability, sustainable development, social sustainability, economic sustainability and environmental and ecological economics. The purpose of this paper was not to provide new evidences, but to clarify basic concepts for the development of a learning programme. Despite the critics, we advocate for the three-pillar model of sustainable development. We take for grounded the validity of ecological sustainability as the main goal to mitigate the Anthropocene Crisis. We focus on the pillars of social and economic sustainability, underpinning that the social pillar, despite the recent efforts, is the less developed. In the area of economic sustainability, there is an important debate which concerns not only sustainability but also basic assumption of conventional economic approaches. In the background stands the question if the focus lies on economy as an integrated part of the system earth or as a system by its own. In the first case, the question is how economic activities contribute to maintain the earth as an ecosystem in which humanity can live. In the second case, the question is how to maintain economy as a value generation system considering the scarcity of natural resources in the frame of sustainable development. In both fields, social and economic sustainability, we observe a distinction between weak and strong sustainability, as two extremes of the societal implications of sustainability policies. The weak social sustainability approach support strategies without substantial change in society as a social system and the lowest political intervention as possible. The strong social sustainability approach assumed that ‘real’ sustainability strategies to contribute to solve the Anthropocene crisis will imply a fundamental transformation of society. Our starting point was that sustainability must be the reference point of RRI due to the Anthropocene crisis. In the conclusion, we argue that RRI should be an integrated part of sustainability as goals reinforcing the social pillar, but also as means to promote a high participation of society in the transformation to a sustainable world, to achieve a high degree of fairness of the transformation and to provide a sustainable ethical framework for science-based social and technological innovations.publishedVersio

Despite the diversity of legitimate approaches to the theory and methods available to qualitative researchers, we can identify questions which one must always, or virtually always, answer when formulating the problem and designing research. Steinar Kvale (Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: SAGE, 1996) notes that at this stage the project may at times require a kind of an explorative interview with a researcher, which will help us better understand why, how, and what we want to do. Following this line of reasoning, we will suggest certain outlines for an interview we can carry out with ourselves at this stage of research design. We will try to identify the most important questions to ask ourselves while designing the study, as well as a few suggestions as to where the search for answers to these questions can begin. This is perhaps the most accurate type of a universal guide to qualitative research design that can be offered. In this chapter we present the subsequent stages of the research design journey, starting from a vaguely defined area of interest, and ending with a detailed research project proposal. Let us first discuss the questions we face when formulating the research problem—those helping us to reflexively approach the research. We will then describe issues that need to be resolved when matching to the problem research methods which help us to be consistent. In the last part of the chapter we will discuss the decisions which need to be taken when planning the details of research project implementation.

In the paper, we propose a new focus in qualitative organization studies, which we call organizational anecdotal evidence. The novelty of our method is in linking storytelling, studies of organizational anecdotes, and humor studies. We claim that organizational anecdotes, jokes, and short fictional stories should become a core object of organizational culture analysis, rather than be refuted as unimportant. This is so because the study of organizational anecdotes and fictional stories shared by the social actors is more meaningful and gives more insight into their culture than establishing mere facts. In the article, we briefly relate the limitations of factual studies in many areas of organizational research, describe the theoretical background of our method (coming from humor studies, storytelling, and organizational anecdotes analysis), and propose their combination as a new approach for organization scholars, namely, organizational anecdotal evidence research. The utility of the...

Accelerating energy transitions that are both sustainable and just remains an important challenge, and social innovation can have a key role in this transition. Here, we examine the diversity and potential of social innovation in energy systems transformation, synthesizing original mixed methods data from expert interviews, document analysis, social innovation experiments, a representative survey, and an expert survey. Based on a thematic analysis of these data, we advance four key findings: (1) the diversity of social innovation in energy is best understood when recognizing core social practices (thinking, doing, and organizing) and accounting for changes in social relations (cooperation, exchange, competition, and conflict); (2) governance, policy networks, and national context strongly shape social innovation dynamics; (3) processes of social innovation are implicated by multidimensional power relations that can result in transformative changes; and (4) social innovation in energ...

With this poster, Dr. Agata Dembek ( Kozminski University, Warsaw) presented the SONNET project at the TIPC (Transformative Innovation Policy Conference) in Valencia, November 2019, on behalf of the SONNET team. SONNET aims to co-create a rich understanding of the diversity, processes, contributions, success and future potentials of social innovation in the energy sector (SIE). Our empirical work bridges qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches in an innovative research design. Among other research activities, given its focus on urban areas as major hubs for SIE, SONNET conducts six transdisciplinary SIE City Labs to experiment with new forms of SIE and learn about how multiple actors can harness the potential of SIE.

Celem artykułu jest przeanalizowanie wkładu studiów nad nauką i technologią (STS) w debatę o dwustronnej zależności pomiędzy wytwarzaniem wiedzy i technologii a przyszłościami społecznymi i dzisiejszymi wyobrażeniami o możliwych przyszłościach. Przedstawiono kolejno podstawowe założenia STS, rozwijane w ramach tego nurtu rozumienie sprawczego działania wizji przyszłości na rozwój innowacji oraz techniki i procesy wytwarzania podzielanych wizji społeczno-technologicznych przyszłości: od partycypacyjnej oceny technologii, przez działanie ruchów społecznych, aż po próbę oficjalnego wbudowania odpowiedzialności wobec obywateli w politykę Europejskiego Obszaru Badawczego. W podsumowaniu formułowana jest propozycja poszerzenia programu badań nad dynamiką tworzenia sprawczych wyobrażeń o przyszłości o uwzględnienie dynamiki rynku, rolę grup interesu oraz ruchów społecznych.

Repair of mobile phones fits with the vision of a circular economy in an urban context and with the Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. Drawing on the literature about firm level competitiveness and closed-loop design through repair, remanufacturing or recycling, we analyze the business ecosystem of independent mobile phone repair shops in the Netherlands, Poland and China as a glocal business activity. The analysis is based on primary data collection through a questionnaire to independent repair shops in the Netherlands (n = 130), Poland (n = 443) and China (n = 175) with response rates of 13%, 12%, 40%, respectively; and 17 interviews in the Netherlands, 40 in Poland, and 70 in China. Findings indicate that to maintain a strong position in the local market and to sustain the trust of customers, independent mobile phone repair shops offer a range of customized services based on direct contact with customers. In China, the increasing prices of spare p...

For almost a decade, crowdfunding has been developing dynamically all around the world. However, the impact of this financial technology innovation in specific areas of social and entrepreneurial activity is still under-investigated. This article reviews the multiple uses of crowdfunding for support of innovation in the area of green, i.e., sustainable and renewable energy, and energy efficacy. Basing on exploratory study composed of the review of academic and industry literature, analysis of data available on crowdfunding platforms, as well as observations and interviews conducted during industry events, the author presents the most popular models of crowdfunding applied in the area of green energy. The study shows that two models are particularly widespread.
First, intervention in the earlier stage of demonstration/niche market formulation through the reward-based platforms - Kickstarter and alike. Second, use of highly specialized crowd-investing (loan or equity-based) platforms for the diffusion of mature technologies. After reviewing most popular models of platforms and projects' dynamics, the author analyses the potential and obstacles for broader use of crowdfunding for the support of innovation in green energy sector in the context of broader participation in energy transition.

Transformacja energetyczna jest w Polsce niezbędna ze względu na wyzwania ochrony klimatu i wymogi UE, a także na standard życia i zdrowia obywateli. Rodzi ona jednak szereg napięć. Po pierwsze, między rozwiązaniami akceptowalnymi społecznie i politycznie – tym, na co gotowi są zwykli ludzie, i tym, do czego zdolne są elity. Po drugie,
między tym, co aktualnie możliwe technologicznie, a tym, co konieczne ze względu na wytrzymałość naturalnych systemów podtrzymujących życie. Po trzecie, między korzyściami długoterminowymi (ocalenie świat
zdatnego do zamieszkania) a korzyściami i kosztami  krótkoterminowymi (ponoszonymi przez różne grupy obywateli). Po czwarte, praktyka transformacji energetycznej rodzi napięcie między potrzebą oddolnego zaangażowania nowych aktorów (prosumentów, społeczności lokalnych)  a potrzebą koordynacji zmiany na poziomie ponadregionalnym w imię zachowania stabilności systemu oraz
potrzebą przeciągnięcia na „zieloną” stronę firm energetycznych z ich zasobami i doświadczeniem.

The paper analyzes the contribution of studies on science and technology (STS) to the debate on the relationship between science and technology, our today’s ideas about possible futures (present futures), and the future to come as the results of our actions (future present). First, I present the basic assumptions of STS and how it frames the impact of the visions of the future on the innovations. Then, I review the processes leading to the creation of a shared socio-technological future: from participatory assessment of technology through social movements’ engagement to the official policy of the European Research Area. I argue that STS research on societal futures should include market dynamics, the role of interest groups and social movements.

In this era of global challenges in energy policy, the importance of siting of facilities connected to development of energy system is greater than ever. At the same time, spreading of these facilities has often been controversial in surround- ing communities. This article advances the debate on this phenomenon by focus- ing on an aspect of siting controversies that has become a game changer in recent years but has received remarkably little attention: the role of Web 2.0 in siting conflicts. To explore the impact of Web 2.0, the paper uses a case study approach, examining the influence of access to the Internet in two siting conflicts associated with shale gas prospecting in Poland in the period from 2012 to 2014. The possibilities that Web 2.0 offers to residents and other local actors in siting conflicts – access to knowledge, the ability to reframe the local debate using international resources, and mobilization of a network of support by sharing their version of the story – influence the dynamics of risk communication during siting controversies.

Tekst jest próbą analizy fenomenu " Solidarności " przez pryzmat opowieści biograficznych robotników zaangażowanych z ruch społeczny. Wypowiedzi zebrane zostały przy zastosowanie metody wywiadu narracyjnego. W toku analizy wyróżniono podstawowe etapy opowieści o zaangażowaniu w działalność społeczną powtarzające się we wszystkich analizowanych wywiadach, takie jak: pierwsze doświadczenia polityczne, decyzja o zaangażowaniu czy wspomnienia do-tyczące wprowadzenia stanu wojennego. Dzięki przyjętej perspektywie możliwe jest prześledzenie dynamiki ruchu z perspektywy przemian tożsamości zaangażowanej jednostki, szczególnie zwiększanie zakresu kompetencji i sprawczości oraz wchodzenie w relacje społeczne oparte na nowych, bardziej egalitarnych zasadach. Paradoksalnie, przyjęcie perspektywy indywidualnej jest jednym ze sposobów na dotarcie do tego uniwersalnego aspektu przeszłych wydarzeń, który może być inspirujący dla osób podejmujących podobne wyzwania w innych okolicznościach. Słowa kluczowe: " Solidarność " , transformacja, perspektywa indywidualna, wywiad narracyjny.

W jaki sposób można włączyć obywateli w  dyskusje o  konsekwencjach stosowania określonych rozwiązań technologicznych? Co trzeba zrobić, by móc liczyć na sukces takiego przedsięwzięcia? Ten artykuł poświęcony jest analitycznemu przeglądowi stosowanych w praktyce rozwiązań. Poszukiwanie metod działania na tym obszarze wymaga świeżego spojrzenia i  gotowości do eksperymentowa- nia: tradycyjne, oswojone sposoby radzenia sobie z  niepewnością i  am- biwalencją, związanymi ze stosowaniem nowych technologii, opierały się na ścisłym oddzieleniu kwestii technicznych od kwestii politycznych oraz ekspertów od laików . W  przypadku partycypacyjnej oceny technologii chcemy postępować dokładnie odwrotnie: łączyć ekspertów i  niespecjalistów i dyskutować o kwestiach technicznych, nie uciekając od ich politycznego i społecznego wymiaru.

W artykule analizowane jest zjawisko udziału amatorów w wytwarzaniu wiedzy naukowej oraz wpływ tego zaangażowania na konstruowanie granic pomiędzy nauką a nienauką (ang. boundary-making). Na podstawie przykładów udziału niespecjali-stów w wytwarzaniu wiedzy z obszaru technonauki na trzech wybranych obszarach: ochrony środowiska, medycyny oraz biologii syntetycznej stwierdza się, że w pew-nych przypadkach, zgodnie z modelem nauki postnormalnej, głos zainteresowanej opinii publicznej istotnie modyfi kuje zasady rządzące prowadzeniem postępowania naukowego. Analizowane przykłady pokazują jednocześnie, że osoby spoza systemu nauki są zdolne do krytycznego i owocnego udziału w konstruowaniu wiedzy. Udział w wytwarzaniu wiedzy rozważany jest jako radykalna forma realizacji postulatu szerszej partycypacji obywateli we współkształtowaniu kierunku społeczno-technologicznego rozwoju. Do zrozumienia politycznych konsekwencji tej zmiany używane są pojęcia pracy translacji i pracy puryfikacji zaproponowane przez Bruno Latoura. Główne pojęcia: studia nad nauką i technologią; wiedza ekspercka; wiedza lokal-na; nauka postnormalna; innowacje technologiczne.

Despite the diversity of legitimate approaches to the theory and methods available to qualitative researchers, we can identify questions which one must always, or virtually always, answer when formulating the problem and designing research. Steinar Kvale (Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: SAGE, 1996) notes that at this stage the project may at times require a kind of an explorative interview with a researcher, which will help us better understand why, how, and what we want to do. Following this line of reasoning, we will suggest certain outlines for an interview we can carry out with ourselves at this stage of research design. We will try to identify the most important questions to ask ourselves while designing the study, as well as a few suggestions as to where the search for answers to these questions can begin. This is perhaps the most accurate type of a universal guide to qualitative research design that can be offered. In this chapter we present the subsequent stages of the research design journey, starting from a vaguely defined area of interest, and ending with a detailed research project proposal. Let us first discuss the questions we face when formulating the research problem—those helping us to reflexively approach the research. We will then describe issues that need to be resolved when matching to the problem research methods which help us to be consistent. In the last part of the chapter we will discuss the decisions which need to be taken when planning the details of research project implementation.