Evolving Critical Metal Systems: Hype Cycles and Implications for Sustainable Innovation

Sampriti Mahanty, Frank Boons () and Gavin Harper
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Sampriti Mahanty: Institute for Sustainable Resources, UCL, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Frank Boons: Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Gavin Harper: Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-20

Abstract: To achieve the transition to sustainable energy and mobility systems, we are relying heavily on critical metals. The sustainable extraction, use, and circulation of these materials is not straightforward as contestation over the social and ecological sustainability of these metals is characterised by so-called hype cycles of increased and decreased legitimacy. This impedes the energy and mobility transition. We propose and apply a novel approach using event graphs to assess critical metal systems as evolving socio-material systems, comparing three longitudinal cases (lithium, cobalt, tantalum). Our analysis leads to an ideal type hype cycle for critical metal systems. Our findings evidence the necessity for policymakers and industry practitioners to use approaches such as responsible innovation to ensure that the extraction, use, and circulation of critical metals does not undermine the transition to sustainable mobility and energy systems.

Keywords: critical materials; sustainable material supply; hype cycle; responsible innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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