TY - JOUR

T1 - Participatory energy scenario development as dramatic scripting

T2 - A structural narrative analysis

AU - Upham, Paul

AU - Klapper, Rita

AU - Carney, Sebastian

PY - 2016/2/1

Y1 - 2016/2/1

N2 - Drawing on 46 low carbon, backcasted energy scenarios produced with stakeholders in 14 European cities, we illustrate the value of structural narrative analysis for illuminating the dynamics of participatory scenario processes. We show that despite tight technological structuring, the experience of the scenario participants has commonalities with dramatic scripting. These commonalities include: specific characterisation; the development of internally consistent, plausible plots that parallel character development; the construction of plot sequences; and emotional engagement by the writers, who themselves undergo processes of struggle, learning and increased awareness. We suggest that these parallels provide a way of thinking about scenario process design, as dramatic scripting. We particularly focus on the characterisation of 'the public' by the scenario participants, involving a variety of assumptions about likely human behaviour.

AB - Drawing on 46 low carbon, backcasted energy scenarios produced with stakeholders in 14 European cities, we illustrate the value of structural narrative analysis for illuminating the dynamics of participatory scenario processes. We show that despite tight technological structuring, the experience of the scenario participants has commonalities with dramatic scripting. These commonalities include: specific characterisation; the development of internally consistent, plausible plots that parallel character development; the construction of plot sequences; and emotional engagement by the writers, who themselves undergo processes of struggle, learning and increased awareness. We suggest that these parallels provide a way of thinking about scenario process design, as dramatic scripting. We particularly focus on the characterisation of 'the public' by the scenario participants, involving a variety of assumptions about likely human behaviour.

KW - Sustainability sciences, Communication

KW - Low carbon scenarios

KW - Energy systems

KW - Narratives

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84948155653&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.techfore.2015.10.003

DO - 10.1016/j.techfore.2015.10.003

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 103

SP - 47

EP - 56

JO - Technological Forecasting and Social Change

JF - Technological Forecasting and Social Change

SN - 0040-1625

ER -