Actor rationales in sustainability transitions - Interests and expectations regarding electric vehicle recharging

In this paper I ask the question why actors support socio-technical transitions and take part in niche activities. The analysis starts from the hypothesis that strategic rationales of these actors vary and that these depend on their interests and expectations in relation to the emerging system. I pay special attention to their desire to influence the technological and institutional configuration of the emerging socio-technical system. I draw from a case study on the transition towards electric automobility in the Netherlands. From the analysis, eight strategic rationales for taking part in niche activities are distilled. These go to show that it is not only a straightforward positive interest that motivates niche actors. However, the support from these actors is conditional and they are likely to end their support as soon as the emerging system no longer aligns with their interests.