THE SOCIAL SHAPING OF TECHNOLOGY: LESSONS FOR ECO-INNOVATORS

The following discussion paper provides an overview of ways that insights from the interdisciplinary field of STS (Science and Technology Studies or Science Technology and Society) might assist eco-innovators in the IT sector. Drawing very broadly from the social shaping of technology literatures we have identified 4 interlocking themes we believe that eco-innovators should keep in mind to help promote their success: (i) The importance of building sustainable networks of people, things and knowledge; (ii) The significant role that is played by developing new forms of knowledge and expertise facilitated by "knowledge brokers or "knowledge entrepreneurs`; (iii) The important roles that can be played by users in re-shaping technology in practical settings; (iv) The importance of conceptually situating plans for optimisation and the ongoing evaluation of their effectiveness within particular technological paradigms or trajectories.