Joachim Markard

Joachim Markard is a Senior Researcher at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), School of Engineering, where he works with the Team Sustainable Energy Systems. His research focuses on sustainability transitions, innovation systems, and energy policy, with particular attention to how technological, political, and organizational factors interact in the context of the energy transition.

Dr. Markard specializes in the study of technological innovation systems (TIS), particularly examining how these systems evolve through different life cycle stages from formation to potential decline. His work investigates the role of policy in accelerating low-carbon transitions, the dynamics of multi-sector transitions, and the political dimensions of phase-out processes. He has made significant contributions to understanding architectural changes in energy systems, the development of hydrogen technologies, and the challenges of integrating complementary technologies in the energy transition.

His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on advancing transition theory while addressing practical policy challenges. Markard's research has evolved to examine not only the emergence of sustainable technologies but also the decline of unsustainable ones, recognizing that successful transitions require attention to both aspects. His recent work explores the acceleration of low-carbon transitions, unsustainabilities like SUVs and space tourism, and the complex dynamics of multi-system transitions.

• Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher (2022)

As a senior researcher, Dr. Markard collaborates extensively with international scholars and contributes to major research networks in the field of sustainability transitions. His work bridges theoretical advancement with practical policy implications, making substantial contributions to both academic understanding and real-world transition processes.