Ordering theories: Typologies and conceptual frameworks for sociotechnical change

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Technology Studies
• Interdisciplinary Theory

Background:

• Sociotechnical change is complex, involving technology acceptance, adoption, use, and diffusion.
• Existing theories offer diverse perspectives but lack integration.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal and technological advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and synthesize the most useful theories explaining sociotechnical change.
• To explore the integration possibilities and limitations of these theories.
• To provide a comprehensive theoretical inventory for researchers.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 35 semi-structured interviews with social science experts.
• Analyzed over 200 articles, reports, and books on technology adoption and diffusion.
• Identified 96 theories and conceptual approaches across 22 disciplines.

Main Results:

• Selected 14 most relevant theories, including Sociotechnical Transitions, Social Practice Theory, and Actor-Network Theory.
• Developed two typologies for classifying theories based on focus (agency, structure, etc.) and philosophical roots (functionalism, interpretivism, etc.).
• The study provides a structured overview of theories relevant to sociotechnical change.

Conclusions:

• An integrated theoretical framework aids in understanding technology's societal impact.
• The identified theories and typologies offer valuable tools for students, analysts, and scholars.
• Effective framing and communication of results are essential for impactful research on technological change.