Suyash Jolly

Professional background

I have a broad interest in sustainability transitions and green growth in the Nordic countries as well as developing economies such as India and aims to develop concepts and approaches which help policymakers and citizens in finding solutions to the current sustainability challenges. Before working at Nordland Research Institute, I worked as a researcher in the Department of Human Geography, Lund University and as a Postdoctoral researcher in the Division of History of Science, Technology, and Environment, KTH Royal University of Technology. I obtained my PhD and MSc. In Innovation Sciences from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, and a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, India. My research work is interdisciplinary, as I draw on insights from organization and management studies, sustainability transitions, Economic and Human geography, Science and Technology Studies (STS) and development studies to address novel questions related to the transformation of the current socio-technical systems.

Research and teaching profile 

My research interest lies at the intersection of sustainability transitions, neo-institutional theory, economic geography, and regional development to improve our understanding of pressing grand societal challenges related to the provision of sustainable energy, reducing climate change and promoting green growth in different regions and nations. My work over the years has been interdisciplinary, as I brought insights from organization and management studies, economic geography, sustainability transitions, Science and Technology Studies (STS) and development studies to address novel questions related to the transformation of our current socio-technical systems. My research approach is focused on having close engagement with the phenomenon of interest using a qualitative case study approach. I, therefore, prefer field research involving close engagement with stakeholders, semi-structured interviews, in-depth archival research, and participant observation in events for data collection and analysis.

In convening, developing and teaching courses, my approach starts from being conscious of the different learning styles of students and encouraging deep learning. My teaching philosophy is focussed on helping students think critically by using theoretical concepts and then apply them to understand real-world complex social problems. I expect them to articulate their ideas and arguments clearly during classroom discussions and while writing their reports. I try to adopt a more open and relaxed approach while guiding students on their assignments and thesis where I support their ideas and views rather than imposing my views on them. Summarizing, I wish to gain more teaching and supervision experience in the future and adapt my approach to different student learning style and approaches of different students.
 

Areas of interest

Theoretical expertise: Sustainability transitions, circular economy, economic geography, regional development, neo-institutional theory focusing on the role of collective institutional entrepreneurship, social and sustainable entrepreneurship, frugal innovation in emerging economies, responsible innovation, business models for sustainability transitions and poverty alleviation, innovation policy, science and technology studies (STS), green growth and sustainable development

Methodological expertise: Qualitative case studies, longitudinal process studies, narrative explanation, historical and archival research, analysis of secondary data sources, participant observation in conferences and events, ethnographic methods

Empirical research: Solar PV energy, wind energy, smart grids, bio-economy, biogas, green maritime industry, offshore wind energy, sustainable plastics

Geographical areas of research: India, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France

Teaching competencies: Sustainability transitions and system innovation, the geography of sustainability transitions, regional sustainability transitions and regional green growth, qualitative research methods including field studies, Science and technology studies (STS), globalization and sustainability in developing regions, development studies.