Stakeholder Readiness and Governance Barriers in Clean Technology Adoption: A Socio-Technical Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Clean technologies are critical for addressing resource depletion, energy insecurity, and environmental degradation, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of the Global South. However, their effective adoption depends not only on technological availability but also on stakeholder awareness, capacity, and governance contexts. This study examines stakeholder perspectives on clean technology adoption in Abuja, Federal Capital City, Nigeria, focusing on awareness, adoption readiness, perceived barriers, governance perceptions, and perceived benefits. Using a convergent mixed-methods approach - including structured surveys (n = 420), key informant interviews, and focus group discussions - the study captures insights from estate developers, development control managers, private businesses, governmental institutions, local traders, urban dwellers, and rural dwellers. Results reveal high awareness, adoption readiness, and benefit perception among professional and institutional stakeholders, whereas marginalized groups, particularly local traders and rural dwellers, face multidimensional constraints, including financial limitations, low technical capacity, weak governance engagement, and limited recognition of social and environmental benefits. Economic, institutional, social, and technical barriers were found to shape adoption in stakeholder-specific ways. The study highlights the importance of inclusive policy frameworks, targeted financial incentives, capacity-building programs, participatory governance, and tailored awareness campaigns to foster equitable and sustainable uptake of clean technologies. By integrating socio-technical and governance perspectives, the study offers actionable insights for advancing sustainable development and promoting stakeholder-specific strategies in urban clean technology transitions.