User innovation in smart energy technologies

People are increasingly dealing with their own energy conduct, are reshaping it and communicating with other users, who are interested in energy. In our research project we are looking at such collaborative structures – with varying levels of user participation. We have identified three different types: (1) Implementation of existing smart home applications, (2) active participation in energy infrastructure projects (co-creation) and (3) user-driven innovation.

“We are looking at users that take the future of smart energy into their own hands through user innovation and how companies can build on user innovation to set up user-centric business models for the energy future.”

This way to the study

According to our current survey about the energy future in Germany, about 21 % of the respondents are already using smart energy products and solutions. Another 42 % are interested in existing energy solutions and planning to implement some of these soon. Internet platforms such as co2online or Haustechnikdialog are reliable sources of information and support the distribution and exchange of experiences between users in addition. Nevertheless our interviews have also shown, that only 11 % of the respondents are content with solutions and products that are available in the market. Users especially consider the inadequate data security a problem – about 38 % have expressed concerns. Another issue are high costs: About 41 % find the purchase of existing products too expensive.

Another phenomenon, that we have explored, is the active participation of people in innovation processes, so-called co-creation. In this light we examined the development of the self-sufficient village Feldheim in Brandenburg in a case study. Due to the close collaboration between company, local politics and residents, the location is a suitable example for how the interaction of acceptance and participation can lead to the successful realization of infrastructure projects. Especially the population’s driving force behind initiating a smart energy supply can be seen as helpful for creating concepts regarding larger communities or smart cities.

Eventually there are more and more examples for users becoming active innovators. Since they bring in their broad technical expertise and are aware of their unmet needs very well these efforts are particularly promising. It has been shown, that the exchange of knowledge and experiences with other interested parties in online communities significantly contributes to the efficiency enhancement of collective innovation processes. First and foremost users with an outstandingly high level of innovativity, activity and the willingness to cooperate drive the product development forward.

Since they point out not only barriers of existing smart energy products, but also propose solutions and give advices on the improvement of usability and functionality, companies can benefit from them. In the end everybody benefits from knowledge transfers – also the energy transition.