Andres Ingerman
Title: Learning in the Small Modular Reactor Niche: Social Network Analysis of Estonia's SMR Niche and its International Ties
Supervisor: Dr. Erkki Karo
Opponent: Dr. Jaanus Müür
Defense: 21 January 2026
Abstract: This thesis examines how a country without prior nuclear experience can establish an institutional configuration that supports the early formation of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) niche, and how learning processes unfold among participating actors during this formative phase. Methodologically, the research employs a mixed-methods design that combines Social Network Analysis with qualitative interpretation of learning processes, based on self-reported inter organisational ties and semi-structured interviews. The analysis conceptualises niche development as a multilayer network consisting of actors’ collaboration, first-order learning, and second-order learning relations. The results show that Estonia’s SMR niche is structured around two dominant clusters: a highly centralised industrial hub led by a private developer, and a strongly interconnected governmental cluster. While first-order learning is relatively widespread, second-order learning is concentrated among a small number of governmental and industrial actors with strong international brokerage positions. The findings indicate that early SMR niche formation in newcomer countries depends not only on entrepreneurial initiative, but on coordinated institutional learning across industrial, governmental, academic, intermediary, and civil society domains. At the same time, strong reliance on a single private developer introduces structural vulnerability, as demonstrated by network fragmentation when this actor is removed. The study contributes to the sustainability transitions literature by extending Strategic Niche Management to a newcomer nuclear context, introducing a three-layer network approach to analyse learning dynamics, and providing empirically grounded insights for emerging SMR programmes. This thesis is written in English and is 69 pages long, including 3 chapters, 17 figures, and 7 tables.
Keywords: SMR, Small Modular Reactors, Nuclear, Niche, Strategic Niche Management, SNM, Social Network Analysis, SNA, Learning, Estonia .
