The Internet of Things and Sustainability: Why the Adoption Gap

Under the “Internet of Things” (IoT) technology, devices are connected in a network and communicate with each other. This sharing of information among devices enables “smart” systems which include, for example, “smart” homes, grids and cities. “Smart” systems, facilitated by IoT, can lead to more efficient energy use and further the integration of variable renewable power sources. IoT can, therefore, bring substantial sustainability benefits, yet its potential remains underexploited by relevant organizations. Business models to exploit opportunities from IoT need to be better defined and other technical and non-technical constraints must be overcome. Using a multi-actor, multi-criteria (MAMCA) approach, we will develop a paper which investigates actors’ preferences in relation to IoT. We seek to understand the factors behind why certain organizations (and customers) adopt IoT technologies and others do not. Moreover, we consider what may have to change in order to shift an organisation’s or actor’s preference for non-adoption to adoption