Towards niche readiness: Achieving socio-economic maturity in the bottom-up transition to DC power systems

Within Transition Studies, the Multi-Level Perspective and Strategic Niche Management literature draws specific attention to forms and qualities of niches. However, the question remains as to how diffusions from niches scale up and how these processes relate to specific socio-economic parameters of such niches. We combine the literature on this topic with that of Technology Readiness Thinking to discuss the potential benefits of what we call a Niche Readiness Level Model. The empirical background is based on current developments in transforming existing distribution networks from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) electrical networks. These transformations are mainly driven by bottom-up socio-economic dynamics. Therefore, we propose a model based on socio-economic mechanisms to assess the readiness of niches in the field of DC technology development. We identify five key socio-economic mechanisms that can be seen as basic building blocks for a Niche Readiness Level Model.