REVIEW OF CONCEPTUAL EVOLUTION AND MEASUREMENT APPROACHES OF CARBON LOCK-IN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR DECARBONIZATION

Abstract

Carbon lock-in refers to the self-reinforcing inertia that keeps the process of decarbonization restricted. The literature on carbon lock-in has rapidly grown but remains fragmented in terms of methodological approaches and regional focus. This study aims to fulfill the requirement of a systematic review to synthesize this fragmented literature. It considers hundred peer- reviewed papers from Scopus and Web of Science to synthesize conceptual evolution, the standard method of measurement, regional distribution and future research prospects in this area. The findings revealed that carbon lock-in emerged as a multidimensional phenomenon. Both qualitative and quantitively analysis have been used to explore concept of carbon lock-in. A specific type of carbon lock-in defines mechanism over which different dimensions perpetuate lock-in. Research is geographically focused around high-income and upper-middle-income countries, with zero concentration on low-income countries. In addition, policy mix, financial redirection and technological innovations are categorized as lock-out elements to hasten decarbonization. The planning for decarbonization and management of the climate risks requires comprehensive strategy in order to handle political, economic and social factors. This study proposed a comprehensive future research agenda.