Knowledge collaboration and learning for sustainable innovation and consumption: introduction to the ERSCP portion of this special volume

This paper provides an outline to this portion of the two part special volume on knowledge collaboration and learning for sustainable innovation, which is built upon papers from the ERSCP portion of the joint ERSCP/EMSU conference. This paper briefly reviews the topic of sustainable innovation, based upon the levels of niche, incremental and systemic innovation. A review of the literature on learning, knowledge collaboration and participation shows that niche innovations and systemic innovation typically require so-called ‘2nd order learning processes’, in which tacit knowledge and implicit frames have to be adjusted. This 2nd order learning process is less needed in case of incremental innovations. Another relevant dimension that appears from the literature is the distinction about whether actors involved in change are active in niches or mainstream. Subsequently, the ten papers in this portion of the special joint volume are highlighted. They cover a broad range of relevant topics, such as learning in innovation systems, system innovations at the local level, learning and collaboration in knowledge arenas, application of design scenarios and participatory backcasting, involvement of end-users in energy saving and energy efficient refurbishment and collaboration among participants in global sustainability programs. Together, these papers provide an overview of learning, knowledge collaboration and participation for sustainable innovation and consumption.