ie.talks: Extractive imaginaries: The role of research and development, and innovation in global production networks for lithium-ion battery chemistries

Lecture and Discussion with Erika Faigen (University of Vienna) as part of the ie.talks – Public Lecture Series of the Department of Development Studies

Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Time: 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.

Location: Seminarraum SG 2, Sensengasse 3, 1090 Wien

Chair: Felix Dorn (University of Vienna)

Hybrid participation via zoom possible. Please register until Nov 15, 4 p.m. at: studienassistenz.ie[a]univie.ac.at

Abstract:

How are imaginaries connected to sustainable mineral uses? Engaging with mineral-based materials such as lithium-ion battery chemistries necessitates thinking with resources globally. The networked approach of global production networks (GPNs) conceptualizes global production as embedded in actor-structure relations and foregrounds their organization.

On the case of lithium-ion battery chemistries, I will turn the focus of GPNs to research and development (R&D), and innovation in university education, and research institutes to exemplify how decision-making in these communities affects the potential for using energy and mineral-based materials more sustainably. I will draw on convention theory and worlds of worth to foreground extractive imaginaries in some decision-making related to R&D and innovation.