Public Participation in Developing a Common Framework for the Assessment and Management of Sustainable Innovation

Related sector

• D - Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
• K - Financial and insurance activities
• O - Public administration and defence; compulsory social security

SI Lead organisation

Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) - Government actor (Departments, Agencies, etc.) ( National / Federal body )

https://rea.gov.ng/

SI Scope

Link to H2020 SI Priorities

• Climate change mitigation solutions
• Eco-innovation and green economy transition
• Strategic intelligence and citizens’ participation
• Climate action by sustainable lifestyle
• Eco-solutions to reduce raw materials use

SI Type

• System - The solar mini-grid initiative is a system innovation because it involves a comprehensive transformation of the energy supply system as a whole not just one product or service. It integrates new renewable energy technologies, organizational arrangements (governance and coordination among multiple stakeholders), financing models, and social practices within rural communities. This innovation changes how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed at a systemic level, impacting actors, infrastructures, policies, and behaviors simultaneously.

• Organisational / Business model - The project requires new organizational models to manage multi-stakeholder involvement, including coordination between government agencies, private companies, financing bodies, and community organizations. New business models emerge around financing, ownership, operations, and maintenance often using public-private partnerships, pay-as-you-go schemes, or community ownership models designed to make mini-grids financially viable and socially acceptable.
• Social (incl. behavioural) - Successful adoption depends on social innovation, including increased community participation, awareness raising, and changes in energy consumption behavior. Education and training programs build local capacity for maintenance and management. The innovation improves social inclusion by extending affordable energy access to marginalized rural populations, fostering social empowerment and improving quality of life.

SI Objectives

• Expand rural electrification and access to clean energy
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve environmental outcomes
• Promote socio-economic development via improved energy access
• Foster sustainable and affordable energy systems
• Enable community engagement and capacity building

• Strengthen local energy governance
• Support job creation in rural areas
• Encourage technology adoption and transfer

SI Factors of success

• Technological - Cost-effective solar technology and battery systems
• Economic - Public-private partnerships and donor funding
• Environmental - Alignment with climate goals and emission reductions
• Political - Supportive government policies and rural electrification programs
• Social - Community acceptance and engagement
• Ethical - Energy equity and inclusivity
• Spatial / Urban - Targeting underserved rural and remote areas

Sources

• Primary - Interviews or surveys with local implementers or beneficiaries
• Secondary - Government reports, NGO case studies, academic papers on rural solar projects these provide insights into actors, economic flows, policy context, and social impacts.
• Tertiary - Media coverage and synthesis reports help frame public discourse and awareness.