D ATA ANALYSIS METHODS

For the analysis of the data collected, the selective coding approach of grounded theory approach (Strauss and Corbin, 1998) was used. Grounded theory was chosen as it has proven a flexible but robust approach 
 for
 analysing 
 data 
 in 
 exploratory 
 studies such as this one. The grounded theory approach was used in the identification and development of the analysis framework to identify areas in which leapfrogging has occurred or sectors with leapfrogging

potential (see section 4.1).

One objective of the research was to evaluate whether the concept of leapfrogging conforms to empirical observations and data on China's renewable energy development. Selective coding, the process of choosing one category (leapfrogging) to be the core category, and relating other categories to that category, was applied. In this way the core category of leapfrogging, around which the final analysis is based, was related to other sub-categories.

During the field research period the textual data, interview notes and information collected through informal communications and participant observation were continuously read, re-read and reflected on. This process entailed carefulcomparison of quantitative data and qualitative information; in some instances text-based data could be compared to statements by interview partners and personal communication partners. Secondly, comparison between opinions and statements issued during formal interviews and statements made in informal conversations was made. As a result of this process several themes emerged and five areas in which leapfrogging is possible, and the interrelationships between these areas, emerged. The typology of leapfrogging was therefore developed in an inductive way. In this inductive process the method of back-casting was employed; this required consideration of a possible and desirable sustainable future situation to assess steps necessary for the attainment of that future state. Back-casting thus involved the identification of certain steps and a trajectory that might be designed in order to enable the future situation to be realised.

For the discussion and analysis of renewable energy partnerships a qualitative case study approach was chosen as it is commonly used in the study of multi-stakeholder programmes, events, processes, institutions and social groups. Case studies are commonly used to describe the institutional frameworks and organisations for ‗partnerships for sustainability‘

(Olson et al., 2006). Criteria for selection of relevant case studies included whether the partnership is representative of different partnership types identified in the literature review (multilateral, bi-lateral, PPP, industry joint venture, R&D collaboration, civil society collaboration,

multistakeholder initiative, etc.). Important criteria were also whether the partnership related to the theoretical framework in terms of involving multiple organisations, nested institutional multi-level arrangements, contribution to technology transfer, innovative approaches, etc. Through the case studies the characteristics of the current partnership and cooperation landscape in China was established. For the description of partnerships a narrative approach was applied, drawing to some degree on ethnographic research practices. The partnership case studies are both descriptive and explanatory.

At the outset of this research, an objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships.

This turned out to be a more difficult challenge than expected. Partnership and project evaluation is a sensitive issue and it was difficult to collect sufficient qualitative and quantitative data to make thorough assessments about the effectiveness or success of a specific partnership. Partnership staff and experts were at times apprehensive about providing information which could negatively reflect on themselves and their stakeholders. Therefore, the evaluation of partnerships and assessing their effectiveness and contribution to China‘s renewable energy development or even specific types of leapfrogging was undertaken through SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analyses. SWOT analysis is generally used as an analytical tool applied for understanding and improving decision-making for a variety of situations in business and organizations. While being used particularly for businesses, it can also be applied for other organisations, programmes or multi-stakeholder processes. The SWOT analysis headings provide a simple framework for reviewing strategy, position and direction of a partnership (Nathan 2007). SWOT analysis has also been used for regional energy planning with special focus on the contribution to renewable energy development (Terrados, Almonacid and Hontoria 2007). One of the problems with SWOT analysis for projects or partnerships is its subjectivity, even though the SWOT analyses are based on multiple sources including interviews, personal communications, and document and text analysis. In the context of this research and due to the current stage of renewable energy cooperation between China and other countries, SWOT analysis can

nevertheless be regarded as an appropriate method for partnership evaluation.

To conclude this chapter on methodology, a reflection on the researcher‘s positionality (Rose 1997) is necessary to put the research methodology and results into perspective. Despite the goal of being as objective as possible, in the process of data collection and analysis, the results and knowledge produced by this research are inevitably influenced by the researcher‘s still limited specific and partial view of the research subject. Furthermore, the researcher‘s cultural and educational background have certainly influenced the decisions what questions to ask interview partners, directing the flow of discourse, interpretation interview data, etc.

The data collection and analysis has also been strongly influenced by personal convictions and assumptions, although these are backed by a substantial body of scientific evidence, that fast sustainability transitions are necessary. The relationship between the researcher and the research subject is not one of distanced objectivity – as a long-term resident in China the author of this thesis has strong personal motivation to support a fast sustainability transition.

Furthermore, as a foreigner with some, but still limited, understanding of China‘s national and local circumstances, producing representations of China and the country‘s policy development, the author found himself inextricably bound up with questions of authority, appropriate communication and representations, and the complex political positions generated by such questions. The presentation of data and results of the thesis has therefore been influenced by considerations of acceptance by different communities including international scientists, Chinese researchers and Chinese and international actors involved in cooperation partnerships with China.

There are different limitations to this research which need to be mentioned. The most relevant limitation is that of conducting energy-related research in China as a non-Chinese person.

Energy and climate change issues are still politically sensitive issues, particularly the matters concerning policy developments. In making assessments about the effectiveness of regulations and 'reading' where policies and strategies are heading, requires in-depth knowledge and many

years experience in observation of China‘s energy development and beyond the scope of this thesis. Furthermore, the fast changing and highly political nature of policies and institutions in China weakens any policy conclusions and the sheer speed of change in the private sector in China‘s renewable energy sector makes it difficult tracking these developments. The difficulties of accessing reliable voices in conducting research and the need to protect confidences as part of long-term relationship building cannot be underestimated.

Research about energy cooperation partnerships, particularly when it comes to assessing effectiveness or limitations of existing partnerships is perceived as sensitive from both Chinese and international experts. Reliance on and reliability of secondary and tertiary quantitative data is another limitation of this research, as is the limited use of Chinese literature sources. Although quantitative data from a variety of sources were sourced, some of these data might prove to be inaccurate or will get updated after publication of the thesis, particularly secondary statistical data.

Other limitations include the issue of positionality of the researcher conducting interviews, collecting and evaluating data, which is discussed in some more detail in the methodology part.

Despite these limitations, the results of this research produced a number of interesting findings which have the potential to contribute to a better understanding of different elements relevant for environmental leapfrogging in China.