Background on Methodology and Case

Abstract

The development of micro Combined Heat and Power (mCHP), a radical innovation in the European heating industry, occurred in response to demands for increased energy efficiency and CO 2 emission reductions. This chapter introduces the mCHP case, which provides an excellent understanding of how innovators address standards. The chapter provides an overview over the study's grounded theory approach, which is based on extensive interviews with innovators and other key actors. The chapter also offers important background information about mCHP and the European heating industry. This traditional industry is characterised by its predominantly small-and medium sized firms and their focus on long-term development. Keywords Grounded theory · Case study · micro Combined Heat and Power, mCHP · European heating industry · Green technologies To address the theoretical gaps identified in Sect. 1.2.4, we studied the development of micro Combined Heat and Power (mCHP) technology in the European heating sector. In this chapter, we provide some background information that is helpful for understanding our findings. Section 2.1 outlines our grounded-theory-based methodological approach. Section 2.2 introduces mCHP technology and the setting in which it was developed.