6. Conclusions and policy implications
This paper had two goals: to derive policy recommendations
based on new empirical insights into the reasons for the
low diffusion rate of the mini-grid technology in Laos; and to
enhance the ongoing debate on how to advance the TIS
approach. To these ends we applied a qualitative single case
study design and conducted desk- as well as extensive fieldresearch.
In terms of implications for policy makers, in
Section 5.1 we propose a national technology-specific electrification
strategy which aligns the institutional settings and
thereby removes the key barriers to the diffusion of mini-grids
in Laos.Our findings specifically demonstrate the importance of
two cornerstones of such strategy: a selection of preferred
technologies based on a “technology needs assessment”; and
the establishment of a national body (system builder) to
collect, store, translate and pass on knowledge related to the
selected technology as well as to mediate and translate
between actors from different cultural backgrounds. International
support should be requested, managed, and channeled
based on such technology strategy. The analysis' theoretical
findings point to a mismatch between the institutional settings