MSD 023: Unit 09 – Sustainability transition and socio-technical transitions

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 UNIT 9: SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION AND SOCIO-TECHNICAL TRANSITIONS

9.0 Introduction

Sustainability transitions refer to long-term, multi-dimensional, and fundamental transformation processes toward more sustainable socio-technical systems. These transitions involve changes in technologies, institutions, cultural meanings, and user practices. As the world grapples with climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, understanding the dynamics of sustainability transitions becomes essential for designing effective policies and governance mechanisms.

9.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the concept of sustainability transitions and system change.
  • Distinguish between different types of transition processes.
  • Explain socio-technical systems and their role in transition.
  • Identify frameworks such as Multi-level Perspective (MLP), Strategic Niche Management, and Transition Management.
  • Analyze the role of innovation and governance in fostering sustainability transitions.

9.2 System Change, Transition and System Transformation

System change involves structural reconfigurations of societal systems such as energy, transportation, agriculture, or water management. Transition refers to the process that leads to a system shift, while transformation signifies a deeper and often more abrupt alteration in the system's functioning.

9.2.1 System Transformation

System transformation is a profound shift in the core structures, rules, and dynamics of a system. It goes beyond incremental improvements and focuses on altering foundational paradigms and practices. Examples include a complete shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy or from industrial agriculture to agroecological practices.

9.2.2 Understanding Transition

Transition is a gradual, non-linear process that unfolds over time through the interaction of various actors, technologies, institutions, and markets. It can be disruptive and involve tensions, resistance, and path dependencies. Key features of transitions include:

  • Long time horizons (decades)
  • Multi-actor involvement (government, civil society, industry)
  • Co-evolution of social, technological, and institutional factors

9.3 Socio-Technical Systems and Transitions

Socio-technical systems comprise networks of actors (users, firms, policymakers), technologies, infrastructures, institutions, and knowledge. These systems deliver essential societal functions like mobility, communication, and food production. Transitions in these systems involve breaking entrenched practices and promoting novel alternatives through coordinated efforts.

Examples of socio-technical transitions include:

  • Shift from coal-based electricity to solar and wind power
  • Replacement of internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles
  • Transition from conventional to organic agriculture

9.4 Sustainability Transition

Sustainability transitions aim to steer socio-technical systems toward environmental integrity, social equity, and economic viability. These transitions require strategic interventions at multiple levels, innovative experimentation, and long-term policy support.

9.4.1 Multi-Level Perspective (MLP)

MLP is a widely used framework to study transitions. It proposes three analytical levels:

  • Landscape (Macro-level): Exogenous trends (e.g., climate change, demographic shifts)
  • Regime (Meso-level): Dominant structures and practices (e.g., fossil fuel-based energy system)
  • Niche (Micro-level): Innovation spaces for alternative technologies and practices

Transitions occur when landscape pressures destabilize regimes and niches mature enough to replace them.

9.4.2 Strategic Niche Management (SNM)

SNM focuses on protecting and nurturing innovations in their early stages. It provides experimentation spaces where new ideas can evolve free from market and regulatory pressures. Key processes include:

  • Learning and knowledge sharing
  • Building social networks
  • Aligning stakeholder expectations

9.4.3 Transition Management

Transition management is a governance approach that seeks to guide long-term sustainability transitions through participatory and reflexive processes. It involves:

  • Visioning and scenario-building
  • Experimentation and learning
  • Adaptive policymaking
  • Multi-level stakeholder engagement

9.4.4 Technological Innovation Systems (TIS)

TIS focuses on how specific technologies evolve and become established. It examines:

  • Knowledge development and diffusion
  • Market formation
  • Resource mobilization
  • Supportive policy frameworks

TIS complements MLP and SNM by providing insights into the innovation process at the technological level.

9.5 Let’s Sum Up

This unit introduced the concept of sustainability transitions and examined the role of socio-technical systems in facilitating such transitions. It covered frameworks like MLP, SNM, and Transition Management, which help explain how innovations emerge, stabilize, and scale. Understanding these frameworks is critical for policy design, institutional innovation, and system-wide change toward sustainability.

9.6 Key Words

·         Sustainability Transition – A major shift toward environmentally and socially sustainable systems.

·         System Transformation – Fundamental change in how a system functions and operates.

·         Socio-Technical System – An integrated network of people, technology, and institutions serving societal needs.

·         Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) – A model explaining transitions across niche, regime, and landscape levels.

·         Strategic Niche Management (SNM) – Supporting innovations by shielding them in protected environments.

·         Transition Management – A planning approach to guide long-term sustainable change through collaboration.

·         Technological Innovation System (TIS) – A framework analyzing how new technologies develop and spread.

·         Landscape – The broader external context that influences systems (e.g., climate, politics).

·         Regime – The dominant practices, technologies, and rules in a socio-technical system.

 

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