Mathematical models can be used to study the spread of
technological innovations among individuals connected to each other by a
network of peer-to-peer influences, such as in a physical community or
neighborhood. One such model was introduced in a paper published yesterday in
the SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems.
Authors N. J. McCullen, A. M. Rucklidge, C. S. E. Bale, T.
J. Foxon, and W. F. Gale focus on one main application: The adoption of
energy-efficient technologies in a population, and consequently, a means to
control energy consumption. By using a network model for adoption of energy
technologies and behaviors, the model helps evaluate the potential for using
networks in a physical community to shape energy policy.