Search

Since at least 2012, UK housing providers (and policy makers) have introduced policies aimed at developing autonomy and independence among service users, through an agenda sometimes referred to as 'responsibilisation'. This paper considers the role that technologies play in this agenda, through an analysis of how wellbeing and independence are facilitated amongst older social housing tenants. Based on case studies of four supported housing schemes in England, the research considers the capacity to exercise agency amongst older persons, through their willingness and ability to accept technological interventions, and the role of support networks to facilitate independent living. Using the concept of modalities of agency, the research examines the impact of implementing 'low-level' assistive technologies in the home, based on the perspectives of residents and staff. The interventions studied were designed to improve social relationships, promote self-sufficiency and support self-managed care (based on the principle that the most effective projects facilitate individual agency). The research findings identified that residents responded differentially to technology, based on their levels of capability, motivation, reluctance and resistance. Whilst the study demonstrated that small technological innovations could have disproportionately positive impacts in improving wellbeing, the research demonstrates the complex nature of agency and limits of responsibility. The paper argues that responsibilisation is part of a wider neoliberal project, where choice and agency are manufactured to create an idealised notion of the autonomous actor (in this case through technology-enabled care). The article argues that a collaborative approach to service provision in which responsibility is shared, via co-managed care, is a more effective means of enhancing agency, than one which advocates a withdrawal of support (in the guise of autonomy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of low or zero carbon technologies has been encouraged in the UK, one of which is air source heat pump (ASHP). However, the current ASHP uptake in UK housing is low, far behind that in Europe and America. This paper aims to contribute to knowledge of utilising ASHP by examining the decision criteria for selecting ASHP and exploring underlying considerations of UK housebuilders. The research was carried out through a case study with a housebuilder and seven nation-wide suppliers, engaging four new-build projects. A wide range of decision criteria were identified. Despite the dominance of cost considerations, non-cost factors also imposed significant commercial implications on the housebuilder's technology selection. For achieving more effective ASHP selection, a structured approach is suggested to manage the decision criteria and appreciate the stakeholders' roles and relationships regarding technology uptake. Improved practice should enable a more informed technology decision culture in UK housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the role of discourse in innovation journeys using the example of low energy housing in the UK. Discourse is shown to be influential within innovation journeys in two main ways: first, discourse unites the often disparate organisations involved in innovation, and thereby gives structure and direction to the innovation journey; second, discourse has the power to retrospectively 'reframe' the course of an innovation journey, leaving out inconsistent parts and ignoring twists and turns, so past innovation journeys are in effect reconstructed in the present. This discursive remapping of innovation journeys has implications for current and future pathways of innovation. Further, there is a two-way relationship between discourse and technology development. It is discussed how pioneering low energy housing developments have themselves become a significant part of low carbon housing discourse, acting as powerful 'storylines'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the efficiency of housebuilding is essential if the challenge of meeting future UK housing needs is to be met. The degree to which speculative housebuilders are prepared to adopt construction product and process innovations is central to this task. Historically, housebuilders have been notoriously slow to innovate. However, current housing market and regulatory trends suggest firms will have to reassess their strategies to ensure future success. The paper explores the extent to which new methods for improving the housing 'product' and reducing construction costs may be taken up by housebuilders. We then consider what can be done to overcome the barriers which have so far inhibited a more innovative housebuilding industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]