Riding the Renovation Wave
Summary
The mission-oriented innovation system (MIS) framework is applied
to study the sustainability transition in the German building and construction
sector. The case study is embedded in the greater context of the European 2030
and 2050 targets and the German ones for 2030 and 2045. Since directionality
for missions is exerted through policy, the multilevel governance (MLG) structure
is connected to the MIS to provide another analytical lens. Following the
steps of problem-solution diagnosis, structural analysis, functional analysis,
and system barrier analysis, the following research questions are answered:
1. Given the context of the EU-level mission of doubling the renovation
rate until 2030 as a step-stone to achieve climate neutrality in 2050,
what systemic barriers hinder Germany to contribute to these goals by
reaching its own the respective 2030 and 2045 goals the country has
already set?
2. How does the MLG structure influence said MIS in terms of directionality
and clarity?
A qualitative approach was chosen with 15 interviews, a complementary document
analysis, desk research of relevant policy documents, reports, websites,
and experts consulted for specific questions. Based on the analysis, various
barriers were identified, e.g., the lack of definitions and data by which to assess
progress, governance structures being understaffed and underfinanced and yet,
of vital importance for mission progress, the inachievability of the mission of
a resource, monetary, or time perspective, internal discourses of framing and
lobbying put up by incumbents that cements its power by means of standardisation.
Possible alleviations and solution pathways are discussed. The thesis
closes with reflections on how to improve the MIS framework. The research has
been completed without an internship.