Between techno-economic innovation and social innovation: a model of energy management for traditional urban microenterprises from Medellin

• Main Author: J. Gabriel Cataño R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano - ITM 2013-12-01
• Series: Trilogia
• Subjects: social innovation; traditional urban microenterprises; energy efficiency; management model.; management model
• Online Access: https://revistas.itm.edu.co/index.php/trilogia/article/view/377/383

this article aims at presenting the structure and operation of an energy management model that promotes the efficient use of energy in traditional urban microenterprises from Medellin. The implementation of energy efficiency programs in these companies should not derive only from techno-economic considerations, but, as the evidence shows, these programs should be managed taking into account socio-cultural factors that make them effective. The research that supports this article comes from a double diagnosis of energy use and cultural power that led the design and field testing of both technology solutions and socially innovative management model. For a technological solution to become a social innovation, this should offer a higher benefit-cost ratio, should be financially and politically sustainable, replicable in different places, have potential for scaling up, and ultimately strengthen citizen participation.