The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that cybernetic theory explains learning curves and sets the curves as legitimate and efficient tools for a pro-active energy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that cybernetic theory explains learning curves and sets the curves as legitimate and efficient tools for a pro-active energy technology policy.
Design/methodology/approach
The learning system is a non-trivial machine that is kept in non-equilibrium steady state at minimum entropy production by competitive, equilibrium markets. The system has operational closure and the learning curve expresses its eigenbehaviour. This eigenbehaviour is analysed not in calendar time but in the characteristic time of the system, i.e., its eigentime. Measured in eigentime, the minimum entropy production in the steady-state learning system is constant. The double closure mechanism described by Heinz von Förster makes it possible for the learning system to change (adapt) its eigenbehaviour without compromising its operational closure.
Findings
By obeying basic laws of second order cybernetics and of non-equilibrium thermodynamics the learning system self-organises its learning to follow an optimal path described by the learning curve. The learning rates are obtained through an operator formalism and the results explain observed distributions. Application to solar cell (photo-voltaic) modules indicates that the silicon scarcity bubble 2005-2008 produced excess entropy corresponding to costs of the order of 100 billion US dollars.
Research limitations/implications
Grounding technology learning and learning curves in cybernetics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics open up new possibilities to understand technology shifts through radical innovations or paradigm changes.
Practical implications
Learning curves are legitimate and efficient tools for energy policy and industrial strategy.
Originality/value
Grounding of technology learning and learning curves in cybernetic and thermodynamic theory provides a stable theoretical basis for applications in industry and policy.
Details
Keywords
Considering the technology learning system as a non‐trivial machine, this paper seeks to take a first step to ground experience and learning curves in cybernetic theory.
Abstract
Purpose
Considering the technology learning system as a non‐trivial machine, this paper seeks to take a first step to ground experience and learning curves in cybernetic theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Assuming operational closure, feedback regulation and a constant elasticity of output/input ratio to cumulative output makes it possible to calculate eigenvalues for the self‐reflecting loop in the learning system.
Findings
The results imply a zero mode learning rate of 20 per cent with higher modes providing learning rates smaller than 8 per cent. The results reproduce the grand features of technology learning.
Research limitations/implications
The NTM approach provides basis for work to understand improvements in grafted technologies and effects on learning from radical innovations.
Practical implications
Further inquiries into the learning system need complementary organisational analysis.
Originality/value
Based on the theory of the non‐trivial machine, this paper takes the first step to ground the experience and learning curves in cybernetic theory.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of transparency in policy‐making processes.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of transparency in policy‐making processes.
Design/methodology/approach
Development and application of conceptual framework for policy studies.
Findings
Complementarity of Habermas's theory of communicative action and Beer's Viable System Model. Relevance of the ideas of requisite organisation in policy‐making and of “orthogonality” in social communications.
Practical implications
Transparency of policy processes is more than making information available to stakeholders; it is enabling the development of an effective organisational system for the policy of concern.
Originality/value
This paper relates Beer's organizational cybernetics and Habermas' political philosophy and produces an original model of transparency in policy‐making.