Abstract
Background: This paper focuses on promoting the sustainability of renewable energy ecosystems to ensure socio-economic development. This is critical for emerging economies where rising demand for energy is likely to deplete resources rapidly. It views industrial ecosystems organized around product/material supply chains or in defined geographies as analogous to natural ecosystems. It focuses on renewable energy for rural populations—a special case of industrial ecosystems—in developing countries such as India. Studying this sector is important because: (1) access to energy is a major problem for bottom of the pyramid populations; and, (2) shifting to renewable energy can improve sustainability and inclusive growth.
Methods: Case study methods are used to study the renewable energy sector in India. A conceptual framework drawing on various literatures streams (ecological and industrial ecosystems, inclusive growth, entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, and renewable energy) is presented to provide insights on how rural renewable energy ecosystems can promote inclusive growth together with environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Data are drawn from cases on renewable energy in India.
Results: Case data support the framework. Findings indicate that ensuring sustainability requires designing the ecosystem for resilience by facilitating collaboration across diverse types of players. Additionally, stimulating innovation and generating livelihoods by nurturing entrepreneurship are critical for achieving environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
Conclusions: This paper extends research on industrial ecosystems and sustainability. It provides insights on how renewable energy ecosystems can promote sustainable socio-economic development for the bottom of the pyramid, an under-researched area. Limited data could be overcome through future large sample studies. Results from these cases can provide insights for government policy makers and businesses on how to establish new sustainable ecosystems for sunrise industries in developing and industrialized countries.