Push Them Forward: Challenges in Intergovernmental Organizations\u27 Influence on Rural Broadband Infrastructure Expansion

Many rural US communities lack access to adequate broadband services. This paper draws on semi-structured interviews conducted in 2019 with 16 Regional Planning Commissions to uncover dynamics of how these intergovernmental organizations contribute to the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural Missouri. The proposed framework integrates the decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit, and Stakeholder Theory. Many participants reported a low level of involvement in broadband infrastructure initiatives even though supporting infrastructure development to promote economic growth is one of the Regional Planning Commissions\u27 primary goals. Regional Planning Commissions are highly influenced by four primary stakeholder groups, (1) residents and businesses, (2) local governments, (3) internet service providers, and (4) state and federal government, which vary in terms of priorities and power. While defining the region\u27s priorities with elected officials, Regional Planning Commissions often push them forward to recognize the necessity of broadband infrastructure. However, Regional Planning Commissions also struggle with low self-efficacy and inadequate expertise to support broadband planning efforts. The proposed framework could be generalized to understand actions and decisions by other intergovernmental organizations that have convening power and face similar power dynamics with their stakeholders

Rural Access to Industry 4.0: Barriers from the Infrastructure Planning Front Lines

Many rural communities lack adequate broadband infrastructure, which limits the economic development potential in these regions. They are not able to attract new businesses, and established businesses are unable to use tools and services that require high-speed internet. Broadband access is a requirement for the Internet of Things, robotics, and big data, which are part of Industry 4.0 and the future economy. Such technological advances are not only transforming the manufacturing environments and the service industry, but also finding applications in the food supply chain, such as precision agriculture. In this study, we conducted 17 semi-structured interviews (11 reported here) with Missouri Regional Planning Commission (RPC) directors and experienced infrastructure planners to identify barriers for the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural Missouri. Systematic qualitative analysis was conducted to identify key themes based on barriers previously identified in the literature. Participants reported that the top barriers are the return on investment and financing of rural broadband projects. The literature tends to be dominated by technology solutions, which received the least number of mentions as a barrier in the interviews

Opportunities and Challenges for Rural Broadband Infrastructure Investment

Insufficient internet access is holding back local economies, reducing educational outcomes, and creating health disparities in rural areas of the U.S. At present, federal and state funding is available for rural broadband infrastructure deployment, but existing efforts have not invested in analytical work to maximize efficiency and minimize cost. In this study, we use a state-of-the-art matrix (SAM) to identify key challenges and opportunities facing rural broadband infrastructure from previous research and government reports. We focus on six themes: (1) technology, (2) hardware costs, (3) financing, (4) adoption, (5) regulatory/legal, and (6) management. We highlight key issues to be addressed by both private and public decision-makers to effectively manage broadband investment as well as engage stakeholders to improve access and adoption. Much of the challenge for rural broadband infrastructure is related to a low return on investment due to high capital costs and low population densities. However, there are many innovative approaches to overcoming this barrier from technical, policy, and social perspectives. Unfortunately, adoption and management are understudied and would benefit from additional research to design effective decision-making tools and programs. From a systems perspective, solutions that leverage tools from a diverse set of perspectives, rather than purely focusing on technology deployment, are more likely to be sustainable in the long-term. We outline an agenda for future work based on the needs of rural communities as well as local and state governments

A Bibliometric Analysis of Electric Vehicle Research

Widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) - including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) - could reform the transportation sector and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In recent years, the development of EVs has taken on an accelerated pace. Given the magnitude of knowledge produced, an assessment of the state of art could benefit the development of this area of study. This paper uses a bibliometric methodology to analyze citation relationships and highlight trends of EV research. Studying the structure of EV literature will provide insights on the status of EV research, the multi-disciplinary nature of EV study as well as identify emerging trends. Results of this research will provide the engineering manager with a better understanding of how various streams of research related to EVs are developing

Barriers to Widespread Adoption of Electric Vehicles: An Analysis of Consumer Attitudes and Perceptions

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are promoted as a viable near-term vehicle technology to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with conventional vehicles (CVs). In spite of the benefits of EVs, several obstacles need to be overcome before EVs will be widely adopted. A major barrier is that consumers tend to resist new technologies that are considered alien or unproved, thus, policy decisions that consider their critical concerns will have a higher level of success. This research identifies potential socio-technical barriers to consumer adoption of EVs and determines if sustainability issues influence consumer decision to purchase an EV. This study provides valuable insights into preferences and perceptions of technology enthusiasts; individuals highly connected to technology development and better equipped to sort out the many differences between EVs and CVs. This group of individuals will likely be early adopters of EVs only if they perceive them to be superior in performance compared to CVs. These results can guide policymakers in crafting energy and transportation policy. It can also provide guidance to EV engineers\u27 decision in incorporating consumer preference into EV engineering design

Critical Issues in the Supply Chain of Lithium for Electric Vehicle Batteries

A combination of high fuel costs, concerns about petroleum availability, and air quality issues related to fossil fuel-based vehicles are driving interests in electric vehicles (EVs). In this article, we conduct an integrative literature review to assess the global EV battery raw material supply chain, and identify potential issues with the security and supply of lithium for production of lithium ion batteries. State-of-the-Art Matrix Analysis (SAM) is used to characterize literature into major areas of concern including resources/reserves, supply and demand, geopolitical environment, and recycling. Furthermore, we develop a lithium supply chain model that provides a framework with which to investigate the technical, geopolitical, and economic factors that impact the supply of lithium through different life cycle stages. Results of this research will provide the engineering manager with a better understanding of issues surrounding the lithium supply chain for EVs, and will facilitate decision-making

Developing a Prediction Model for the Adoption of Electric Vehicles

Transport activities are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Mass penetration of electric vehicles into the market will have a number of impacts and benefits, including the ability to substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Therefore, it is expected that in coming years this technology will progressively penetrate the market. This paper presents preliminary work on developing a prediction model for electric vehicle adoption by modeling the conditions under which an individual is more or less likely to adopt an electric vehicle. This model is developed by considering demographic determinants as well as behavioral and attitudinal measures that affect individual adoption of the technology. Analyzing these outcomes generates empirical findings that better inform electric vehicle technology and policy development. This study takes into account preferences of potential customers and therefore provides engineering managers with critical information for developing future electric vehicle technology

Energy Sustainability in Transportation Systems: Translating Electric Vehicle Research Results to 7th and 8th Graders

Electric vehicles can play a major role in addressing some of the energy problems faced by the U.S., including climate change, dependence on fossil fuels, and air pollution. One major obstacle to this technology is the shortage of engineering talent in the U.S. needed for the advancement of electric drives vehicles. Therefore there is need for more engineers in this field if the technology is to be sustainable. In this paper we discuss a workshop designed to promote knowledge building in the area of sustainability and alternative energy use in transportation, and to stimulate greater interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects particularly in the field of alternative automotive engineering. This workshop took place in November 2012, during Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) at Missouri University of Science and Technology. The EYH is a series of hands-on workshops that attracts 7th and 8th grade girls with the aim of fostering interests in STEM subjects and STEM careers. The workshop consisted of two 50 minute sessions of approximately 15 students each and focused on basic concepts of electric vehicles and electric vehicles batteries including lithium which is a key component of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. These sessions were based on research conducted at Missouri University of Science and Technology and were designed to make the potentially complicated topic easily understood and accessible to these students. Tests were conducted before and after each session to evaluate the students\u27 knowledge and perceptions of electric vehicles s and to determine the impact of the workshop. Early exposure to meaningful engineering experiences for these middle school students may boost interest and the eventual pursuit of engineering and technology education paths

Charge It! Translating Electric Vehicle Research Results to Engage 7th and 8th Grade Girls

Despite attempts to generate interest in science and technology careers, US students continue to show reduced interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors at the collegiate level. If girls are not engaged in STEM learning by the middle school level, studies show that they are even less likely to choose a science- or engineering-related major. This article presents results from a workshop for 7th and 8th grade girls designed to promote knowledge building in the area of sustainability and alternative energy use in transportation and to stimulate greater interest in STEM subjects. The workshop based on research conducted at University X focused on basic concepts of electric vehicles and electric vehicles\u27 batteries. Tests were conducted to evaluate the students\u27 knowledge and perceptions of electric vehicles and to determine the impact of the workshop. Early exposure to meaningful engineering experiences for these young girls may boost interest and the eventual pursuit of engineering and technology education paths

Resource Availability and Implications for the Development of Plug‐In Electric Vehicles

Plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) have immense potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, and for smart grid applications. Although a great deal of research is focused on technological limitations that affect PEV battery performance targets, a major and arguably equal concern is the constraint imposed by the finite availability of elements or resources used in the manufacture of PEV batteries. Availability of resources, such as lithium, for batteries is critical to the future of PEVs and is, therefore, a topic that needs attention. This study addresses the issues related to lithium availability and sustainability, particularly supply and demand related to PEVs and the impact on future PEV growth. In this paper, a detailed review of the research on lithium availability for PEV batteries is presented, key challenges are pinpointed and future impacts on PEV technology are outlined