Theoretical framework focusing on learning in polycentric settings

This deliverable provides the theoretical underpinning of the NEWCOMERS project, including the key concepts and definitions as well as the formulation of research propositions in order to enhance the project’s coherence. To this end, it develops a novel theoretical framework based on polycentric governance theory, combined with elements from socio-technical systems theory, social innovation
theory, and value theory in order to facilitate the analysis of the emergence and diffusion of new clean energy communities and explore opportunities for learning in different national and local polycentric settings.

The deliverable is structured as follows. Chapter 2 provides the background of the NEWCOMERS project and introduces the theoretical perspectives that will be used in the analyses, including polycentric governance theory, socio-technical systems theory, and social innovation theory. Chapter 3 explores the concept of clean energy communities and develops a definition of new clean energy communities to be used in the project. Chapter 4 provides a state-of-the-art account of current thinking about polycentric governance and identifies the main themes of polycentric governance theory that are relevant for studying new clean energy communities. Chapter 5 summarises the set of research propositions to be tested in the NEWCOMERS project.