Kornelia Konrad

The sociology of expectations in science and technology

In recent years a growing number of social science studies have pointed out the significance of expectations in science and technology innovation. This special issue of Technology Analysis and Stra...

The social dynamics of expectations: The interaction of collective and actor-specific expectations on electronic commerce and interactive television

Abstract The article investigates three mechanisms by which expectation dynamics affect innovation processes. Empirically, it focuses on hype–disappointment cycles in electronic commerce and interactive television, drawing on results from qualitative case studies and secondary analysis. First, two specific ways by which collective, i.e. widely shared, expectations motivate and guide innovation actors are presented. These mechanisms serve as an explanation for the fact that often an impressively large number of heterogeneous actors accept and contribute to high-rising expectations. With reference to a third mechanism, it is shown that results of technological projects are subject to interpretative flexibility and, as such, are interpreted in the light of the same expectations they are supposed to ‘validate’. Sudden changes of the consideration of certain technologies as promising or not are then explained as a result of the interaction between collective expectations and expectations and outcomes at the project level.

Trust and electronic commerce-more than a technical problem

It is argued that the building of trust in electronic commerce depends only partly on technical security, and the knowledge of security gaps and ways of closing them. It is not only a technical system which is trusted but rather a socio-technical system, including users, business practices and related institutions. We take a closer look at the concept of trust and its relation to knowledge, describe the current situation in electronic commerce, and analyse different technical approaches, that aim at providing security, and nontechnical possibilities to enhance security and trust through institutions.

Pathways to electrochemical solar-hydrogen technologies

Solar-powered electrochemical production of hydrogen through water electrolysis is an active and important research endeavor. However, technologies and roadmaps for implementation of this process do not exist. In this perspective paper, we describe potential pathways for solar-hydrogen technologies into the marketplace in the form of photoelectrochemical or photovoltaic-driven electrolysis devices and systems. We detail technical approaches for device and system architectures, economic drivers, societal perceptions, political impacts, technological challenges, and research opportunities. Implementation scenarios are broken down into short-term and long-term markets, and a specific technology roadmap is defined. In the short term, the only plausible economical option will be photovoltaic-driven electrolysis systems for niche applications. In the long term, electrochemical solar-hydrogen technologies could be deployed more broadly in energy markets but will require advances in the technology, significant cost reductions, and/or policy changes. Ultimately, a transition to a society that significantly relies on solar-hydrogen technologies will benefit from continued creativity and influence from the scientific community.

Society is part of the equation

Verena Schulze Greiving and Kornelia Konrad describe a toolbox that they developed to support researchers in exploring the societal implications and prerequisites of their work.