In this exclusive IEEE Journal Watch article, the focus is on the intersection of Technology and solving the climate crisis. Fred Phillips, president of TANDO Institute, a non-profit think tank associated with the University of Texas at Austin, discusses the concept of technology forcing as a potential solution to the current crisis.
Phillips explains that technology forcing occurs when an authority, such as a government, sets a cost or performance target that far exceeds that of existing technology. Only products meeting the new standard may be sold after a certain deadline. He provides historical examples, such as the defense contract bid in which engineers were tasked with producing a crucial component for significantly less than its current cost, and the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which set a lumens-per-watt standard effectively banning incandescent light bulbs.
The article also outlines other instances of successful technology forcing, including Norway’s mandate that all vehicles sold must be electric by 2025 and the Clean Air Act of 1970, which drove significant societal and technological change.
However, the article also notes potential pitfalls of technology forcing, such as the possibility of allowing equally bad or worse technology into the market if bans include exemptions. The authors highlight the importance of ensuring that all products must meet the new standard by the deadline to achieve the desired outcomes.
While technology forcing has shown promise in addressing technological and societal challenges, the article acknowledges that there is still much to be learned about consumer reception of certain products, such as all-electric vehicles.
Phillips and his co-author, Pham Thi Thuy Dung, published their research in the journal IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, shedding light on the potential impact of technology forcing on innovation and problem-solving.
This article not only provides insights into the role of technology in addressing the climate crisis but also sheds light on its historical context and potential future applications. With technology forcing, there is hope that innovative solutions can be achieved to combat pressing global challenges.
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