Akil Amiraly investigates the diffusion and adoption of innovative technologies within urban infrastructure systems in developing countries. His research explores how innovations in basic service (water, electricity and mobility systems) interact with local managerial practices and consumption behaviors. Drawing from extensive fieldwork in Indian cities and in East Africa, he examines the complex interactions between public and private service provision, technological systems, social contexts, and human behavior. His qualitative research emphasizes the sociotechnical dynamics of infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on technologies such as water metering, solar photovoltaic systems, and electric mobility. Akil’s work delves into how these technologies are introduced, adopted, and integrated into everyday life, considering both managerial aspects and the lived experiences of users.
He is a recipient of the Alliance Program grant for two research projects developed at Ecole polytechnique (i3-CRG) in collaboration with the Columbia Climate School. One ongoing project examines the expansion of electric mobility systems and the provision of doorstep water delivery in Indian cities, in partnership with the Center for Urban Sustainable Development (J. Klopp). The other, now completed, focused on the reform of tariffs of water kiosks, in collaboration with the Columbia Water Center (V. Modi, U. Lall) and the Indian Institute of Science.
He holds a Ph.D. in Management from the École Polytechnique and a Master's degree in Development Studies from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris, reflecting his multidisciplinary academic background.
Recent Publications:
The hybrid domain for energy in India: A case study exploring the diffusion of off-grid solar power
Amiraly A., Sawamura H., & Williams C. (2025)
The difficult reappropriation of an ancient technical knowledge: Rainwater harvesting in Ahmedabad (India)
Amiraly A. (2025)
Diffusing water management know-how between a French MNE and an Indian utilities company in Chennai, India: La mayonnaise n’a pas pris
Amiraly A. (2025)
Electric moto-taxis innovation in low income countries: A rider’s perspective in Kampala.
Prime N., Amiraly A., Hasannia Kolaee M., Kasaija P. (2023)