The psychology of expectations in sociotechnical systems

Abstract

While the role of expectations in sociotechnical futures is known to be performative, this chapter defines expectations as beliefs about the future. It shows how the constructs of one of the most well-known psychological models of behaviour (the theory of planned behaviour) can help to explain why individuals act on some expectations, which then play a role in the mobilisation of resources for particular futures, while other expectations remain private and unrealised in the material world. We apply the basic constructs of cognitive psychology – including attitudes, social and personal norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions – to an empirical case concerning hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Insights from this case study provide additional insights into innovation systems.