The Ecosystems Perspective in Energy Research: A New Field is Born?

Authors

  • Dimos Chatzinikolaou Department of Economics, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, 69100, Greece; & Knowledge Management, Innovation and Strategy Center (KISC), University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
  • Charis Vlados Department of Economics, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, 69100, Greece; & Knowledge Management, Innovation and Strategy Center (KISC), University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus; & School of Business, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
  • Angelika Kokkinaki Knowledge Management, Innovation and Strategy Center (KISC), University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus; & School of Business, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.16030

Keywords:

Energy Ecosystem, Systematic Literature Review, Macro-Meso-Micro Framework, Industrial Ecology, Energy Transition, Distributed Energy Systems

Abstract

The “ecosystem perspective” seems to be gaining importance in energy research. This paper offers a systematic review of 98 articles to shed light on the burgeoning interest in the “energy ecosystems” perspective. The growth in energy ecosystems research stems from several factors: the integration of approaches that connect energy flows with ecological concepts, the inclusion of emerging technologies and socio-technical nuances, and a significant uptick in academic publications over recent years. Our review identifies four pivotal trends shaping the energy ecosystems discourse: “industrial ecology and sustainable development,” “energy transition and socioeconomic evolution,” “business and innovation ecosystems in energy,” “distributed energy systems, smart grid innovations, and associated policy-regulation dynamics.” These trends underscore a pronounced emphasis on energy efficiency in the pertinent literature. Looking ahead, there’s a case for adopting a comprehensive macro-meso-micro framework, with a particular spotlight on the intricate roles of individual energy firms within these ecosystems.

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Published

2024-12-22

How to Cite

Chatzinikolaou, D., Vlados, C., & Kokkinaki, A. (2024). The Ecosystems Perspective in Energy Research: A New Field is Born?. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 15(1), 249–266. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.16030

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

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