As energy systems undergo rapid decarbonization and decentralization, coordination between electricity sector actors becomes increasingly complex. In Switzerland, the federal structure, regional diversity, and emerging forms of distributed energy resources and actors present unique challenges for aligning stakeholder roles and responsibilities. This study investigates how stakeholders across the Swiss electricity sector envision the future of the electricity grid, their roles within it, and the coordination mechanisms needed to support the transition, with particular attention to the evolving role of distribution system operators (DSOs). Drawing on interviews with stakeholders from across the Swiss electricity sector, the application of the socio-technical imaginaries framework reveals a broad consensus on the aspiration for a highly decentralized and flexible electricity grid with a large share of renewable energy, united by the ultimate goal of national decarbonization while maintaining grid stability. However, diverging visions exist regarding the role of local electricity communities, as some stakeholders are optimistic about their potential for decentralization and public engagement, while others express skepticism regarding their viability, limited financial incentives, and the administrative complexity they impose on DSOs. The Swiss electricity sector’s transition is not solely a technical undertaking but also a deeply institutional and social challenge. Coordinating system actors requires attention to differing expectations, governance structures, and resource capabilities. This study highlights the importance of fostering shared visions through structured dialogue, intermediary platforms, and capacity-building measures, especially for local actors and smaller DSOs. While grounded in the Swiss context, the insights are relevant to other decentralized energy systems, particularly considering the ongoing European efforts to support energy communities.

Navigating the evolving landscape of energy systems demands a multifaceted approach that combines engineering expertise with a holistic understanding of societal, economic, and environmental considerations. Early career researchers (ECRs) play a crucial role in bridging these disciplines, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable energy transitions. This paper delves into the unique intersection where an ECR in the engineering field transcends traditional technical boundaries, venturing into the realm of social sciences to foster energy communities. By employing a transdisciplinary approach, ECRs are not only contributing to the technical advancements in energy systems but are also actively engaging in community leadership and development, as tenets of energy communities. The role of engineers in this context is redefined – from mere providers of technological solutions to facilitators and catalysts of community-driven change. However, cultivating these initiatives is not without its challenges. The paper investigates the various forms of uncertainty that pose significant barriers to the development of bottom-up energy initiatives. These include regulatory ambiguities, market fluctuations, evolving technological landscapes, and financial constraints. Central to this paper is a case study from North Macedonia – the first energy community in the country, which provides concrete insights into the practical aspects of building and sustaining energy communities in a transitioning energy landscape. This case study not only illuminates the challenges faced but also showcases the strategies and approaches employed to overcome them. It serves as a microcosm of the broader global challenge in transitioning to more resilient, community-driven, and sustainable energy systems.

To accelerate the energy transition and achieve the needed large-scale transformation to address climate change, different barriers including lock-ins and path dependencies, incumbent power structures and changing individual and collective norms, values, and behaviors around energy need to be addressed. In the face of these challenges, citizens are beginning to play a bigger role in the transformation of the energy system. For example, they are becoming prosumers (energy consumers who also produce energy) and are increasingly engaging in collective energy actions, including taking part in energy communities. In the latter instance, collective investment and consumption decisions are made together, and norms, understanding and behavior towards energy are shaped collectively. To better understand the roles that individuals and groups can play in confronting the challenges of the energy transition, we make use of and adapt Ostrom’s socio-ecological systems (SES) framework to analyze past examples of collective actions and to delve deeper into the causes and catalysts of collective actions. We show how this framework can be used to analyze collective actions across time and contexts, focusing on connecting individual and group behavior with changing societal norms and the corresponding barriers to change. By applying the adapted SES framework as a lens to analyze historical examples of collective actions that have resulted in a widespread transformation in social norms and structures, we identify similarities and differences between these case studies and the current energy transition. Confronting incumbents and the challenge of changing social norms and behaviors are among the similarities, but the specific tactics used to limit incumbents’ powers and the actions taken to influence the norms and behaviors differ. Lastly, we determine the key actors that influenced social and behavioral change, as one of the main outcomes of the analysis.

Addressing socio-environmental challenges requires a multifaceted approach and a comprehensive understanding, which is precisely what transdisciplinary research can provide. The transdisciplinary approach, however, brings new challenges to early career researchers, who have to acquire the necessary methods and skills while conducting their ongoing research. Along with increasing access to resources and training, guidance from supervisors and informal exchange with other transdisciplinary early career researchers play key roles in effectively supporting them.