The paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy (RE) initiatives in Oman. The principal analytical tool is strategic niche management, an approach rooted in evolutionary innovations theory. The analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of RE initiatives is based on three internal dynamic processes: learning processes, actors’ networking, and articulation of visions. This study draws upon secondary data and primary information collected from interviews, with stakeholders representing five selected RE initiatives in Oman. The findings indicate that RE initiatives, if managed properly, can drive large-scale implementation of RE in Oman. There are signs that the networks of actors, although small, are growing. Expectations, although fragmented, are high, positive and diverse. Learning processes do exist but are limited, narrowly techno-economic, and do not encompass social and institutional aspects surrounding new technologies. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to overcome weaknesses observed in studied renewable energy initiatives.

中文翻译：

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评估阿曼可再生能源计划的优缺点：战略利基管理分析

本文评估了可再生能源（RE）计划在阿曼的优缺点。主要的分析工具是战略利基管理，这是一种基于进化创新理论的方法。对可再生能源计划的优缺点的分析基于三个内部动态过程：学习过程，参与者的网络和愿景的表达。这项研究利用从访谈中收集的次要数据和主要信息，利益相关者代表了阿曼五个精选的可再生能源倡议。调查结果表明，可再生能源举措如果得到适当管理，可以推动阿曼大规模实施可再生能源。有迹象表明，参与者的网络虽然很小，但正在增长。期望虽然零散，却是很高的，积极的和多样化的。学习过程确实存在但受到限制，狭义的技术经济，不包括围绕新技术的社会和体制方面。本文最后提出了政策建议，以克服在研究的可再生能源计划中观察到的弱点。