A platform for learning about systems issues
“Systems perspectives on...” is an outcome of Chalmers Energy Initiative. We set out to make a truly cross-disciplinary effort to assess technologies in terms of benefits and drawbacks and potential for realisation and industrialisation. We realised that our aim was not only to create a product but also a process. The result is presented here: A series of “Evolving E-books”. The aim of these E-books is to provide a platform for learning about systems issues related to technologies and address a range of very difficult and elusive questions: Which technologies are desirable? What does it mean to be desirable? Which problems are solved and which are created if different options are implemented? Which development paths are possible and which are likely? Who can influence the direction of development? By what means? How do technology development, economics and politics interact? Etc.
Our aim is not to create a final answer to these questions but to spur a knowledgeable discussion. The idea with the Evolving E-book is to annually add new chapters and update old in the light of new knowledge. In 2012 we launched the first book “Systems Perspectives on Biorefineries 2012”. In May 2013, this book was updated with three fresh chapters and at the same time a sibling, “Systems Perspectives on Electromobility 2013”, was put online.
The intended audience is ourselves, i.e. researchers in related fields, students in Master’s programmes, professionals in industry and public agencies, maybe journalists and teachers, and politicians with an interest in and responsibility for energy, environmental and technology politics.
Björn Sandén,
Editor-in-chief
Read the Evolving E-books
