[Vol.2_EN] What is "Sustainability Transition"?
Hello, this is the Transition Design Lab from Ohashi Laboratory at Institute of Science Tokyo.
In our first article, we introduced an overview of Transition Design.
In this lab, we decided to start by conducting a paper reading circle to understand the theoretical transitions and expansions within the field. For the first session, we aimed to answer the fundamental question: "What is a Transition?" To do so, we selected and discussed a review paper focusing on "Sustainability Transitions" as a pathway to achieving a sustainable society.
As mentioned in the previous article, there is a growing recognition that many global issues, such as environmental problems and social challenges, are driven by the current unsustainable socio-technical systems. This has led to increasing demands for systemic transitions. But what exactly is a "Transition"? Against this backdrop, there has been an increase in research in recent years on the theme of transitions to a sustainable society, and this field is referred to as Sustainability Transition Research. Understanding this field is crucial for exploringTransition Design.
This time, we read and discussed the paper titled "An agenda for sustainability transitions research: State of the art and future directions" published in 2019 by Jonathan Köhler, Frank W. Geels, and others. In this article, we will share the discussion points raised by our lab members regarding this paper.
About the Discussed Paper
The paper we discussed, "An agenda for sustainability transitions research: State of the art and future directions (2019)," was compiled by the Sustainability Transition Research Network (STRN), an international network of researchers interested in sustainability transitions. It was published with the aim of organizing a research agenda against the backdrop of the rapid diversification of related themes and participating researchers since the network's establishment in 2009.
This paper specifically describes the main framework for analyzing transitions, the expansion of the theme, and the characteristics of the theme of transitions.
Frameworks for Understanding Sustainability Transitions Research
Climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, etc. As we face challenges on an unprecedented scale, the question of how to proceed with the transition to a sustainable society has been discussed in academia in earnest since the early 2000s. In considering sustainability, it is important to reexamine the current social system itself and to take a perspective that seeks to fundamentally change it in order to build a new system.
In order to approach the transition of the system itself, various frameworks have been referred to in the field of research dealing with sustainability transitions in order to explain the dynamics of transition. Among these, the most commonly used are the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), the Technological Innovation System (TIS), Strategic Niche Management (SNM), and Transition Management (TM). A variety of theories have been used, from those that take a macro perspective on systems and focus on niches, to those that take a micro perspective on transitions. We will be summarizing the details of each theory in a separate article in the future, so please look forward to it.
The Expansion of Sustainability Transition Research
With sustainability transitions being a pluralistic and interdisciplinary field, research aimed at promoting transitions from various perspectives has been progressing. STRN identified seven themes from studies published up to 2018. Here, we integrate two of these themes and introduce six perspectives:
Transitions Through Power and Politics
Transitions from a Governance Perspective
Transitions from the Role of Companies and Industries
Transitions Through Civil Society, Daily Life, and Culture
Transitions Through Geographic Characteristics
Transitions from an Ethical Perspective
Transitions Through Politics and Power
In the fields of political science and governance studies, there is increasing focus on the importance of power structures and political processes in sustainability transitions. The reason why politics and power are central elements is because the process of transition has been related to political matters inherently..When different individuals and groups envision a desirable future and take action to achieve it, differences in opinions and conflicts of interest inevitably arise.
In particular, there is often intense conflict between forces seeking to maintain the status quo (regimes) and those advocating for change through emerging innovative initiatives (niches). Such conflicts extend beyond mere market competition to encompass broader political domains, including policymaking, resource allocation, and the formation of social norms.
The role of political actors is extremely significant, as they can either greatly facilitate transitions or obstruct them in defense of vested interests. Therefore, there is a growing argument for the necessity of thoroughly investigating political processes and engaging in co-design with diverse stakeholders.
Transitions from a Governance Perspective
The transition to sustainability is being discussed in various fields, and the process of “managing and guiding” (i.e. trying to govern) this transition is considered important as it aims to guide complex and uncertain changes in the desired direction.
This process involves not only the government, but also people from various other backgrounds, such as businesses, citizen groups, and research institutions. The characteristic of this governance process is that it is not just top-down management, but is also shaped by the interaction of actors from various backgrounds.
As one specific participatory method to promote the transition challenges with multi-stakeholders, "Transition Arena” is proposed, which engages people from various backgrounds to come together to build cooperative relationships and create a shared vision for the future.This arena functions as a place where actors from the fields of science, policy, civil society and business can build cooperative relationships rather than competitive ones. However, because existing social and technological systems are deeply rooted, there are various barriers to the building of such cooperative relationships, so governance that “manages and guides” is important. The role of governance at each stage of the transition, the optimal combination of policies, and the role of “intermediaries” who promote change are all being discussed. In particular, there is a need for research and practice on how intermediary organizations such as energy and innovation agencies can promote transition, destabilize existing regimes, and function at various stages of transition.
Regarding engaging transition arenas, our research group considers academia to have the potential to connect stakeholders and facilitate this process. By analyzing the complex transition process and proposing effective governance methods, researchers may be able to contribute to bridging the gap between various actors from a neutral standpoint in practical situations. In the Ohashi Laboratory, we are conducting research on the construction and practice of the Transition Arena on various themes, including semiconductors, livestock, and sustainable food.
Transitions from the Role of Companies and Industries
In fields such as innovation studies, management theory, marketing, and financial systems theory, the role of companies and industries in sustainability transitions is examined from diverse perspectives. These viewpoints are essential for understanding the broad processes involved, ranging from technological development to market formation and institutional change.
Companies play an important role in the transition through the development of new products and services and the creation of new markets, and the development of new technologies and the creation of innovative business models can be important factors in promoting the transition to sustainability. At the same time, companies also influence broader institutional change by shaping social discourse and problem framing, lobbying policy makers, and developing industry standards.
The following perspectives are being discussed as companies and industries can promote transition:
The success of new technologies requires not only technological development but also the formation of receptive markets, the construction of industry value chains, and the establishment of appropriate regulations and institutions.
To tackle these complex challenges, companies need to establish collaborative relationships with other companies and organizations.
New initiatives often face significant resistance from existing systems and vested interests, requiring companies and industries to make efforts to overcome these challenges.
Transitions Through Civil Society, Daily Life, and Culture
In fields such as sociology, behavioral studies, consumer behavior theory, and cultural anthropology, attention is focused on the roles of civil society, individuals' daily lives, and cultural aspects in promoting transitions. These disciplines emphasize the importance of the "micro" level in transition processes.
The scope of sustainability transition research is expanding to include actors of various scales and characteristics, from local governments and civil society to the everyday lives of individuals, as well as governments and large corporations. In particular, grassroots citizen-level activities, cultural change, and social movements are now being recognized as important factors.
The importance of everyday practices is also emphasized and changes in consumption patterns and lifestyles are thought to play an important role in transition.
Transitions Through Geographic Characteristics
The way of transitions varies significantly depending on place and context. For example, in the case of transitioning to renewable energy, the pace of progress, the technologies adopted, and the policies implemented differ between cities, regions, and countries. Why do these differences occur? Fields such as economic geography and institutional geography examine the geographic variations in transitions as follows:
Regional Vision and Policies: As discussed earlier, politics and power significantly influence transitions. The future visions and policies set not only by national governments but also by local governments and communities serve as guiding principles for the actions of regional actors.
Regional Culture and Norms: A high level of environmental awareness, local culture and customs, relationships of trust within local networks, and informal rules and power also have a significant impact on the shape of Transition.
Regional Resources: The availability of natural resources, industrial characteristics, technological expertise, and the skills of the workforce in a given region influence the choices available and the direction of investment for transitions.
Also, one point that is particularly noteworthy in terms of geographical transition is that transitions are not confined to one place, but have the characteristic of “spreading from region to region”. Experimental initiatives in one region spread to other regions through networks, and then develop in ways that are appropriate to the local context. For example, in the case of Transition in developing countries, rather than simply introducing technology from developed countries, more sustainable and unique development pathways are being created from experimental initiatives that are rooted in the local context. In addition, as rapid urbanization progresses, new concepts such as “smart cities” are being realized in different ways according to the context of each city. By looking at transitions from a geographical perspective, we can see that the transition to a sustainable society is not a uniform process, but can take on diverse forms that make the most of regional characteristics.
Transitions from an Ethical Perspective
In fields such as philosophy, ethics, development studies and social policy, there is a focus on the ethical aspects of the process of moving towards sustainability transitions. The ethical aspects of the transition process, particularly issues of distribution, justice and poverty, are inseparable. The paper points out that social issues such as poverty, race, gender, age and ethnic differences, as well as environmental issues, can be the subject of transition research. These issues are deeply rooted in social structures, but the paper emphasizes that they can be resolved through innovative practices and structural transformation. When envisioning the future, it is important to consider as many possibilities as possible, but at the same time, it is necessary to carefully consider from an ethical perspective what kind of future is desirable.
In this way, sustainability transitions research integrates discussions from diverse fields and multiple perspectives to comprehensively approach the complex challenge of transitioning to a sustainable society. This broad perspective is crucial for understanding the intricate processes of real-world change and for charting pathways toward a desirable future.
Characteristics of Sustainability Transitions
The scope of sustainability transition research continues to expand. Finally, we will introduce the seven characteristics of transitions that become visible through comprehensive understanding.
Feature 1: Multi-dimensionality and co-evolution “The entanglement of diverse elements”: Various elements influence each other and evolve together.
Our society and its systems are made up of various elements, including technology, markets, consumption habits, culture, infrastructure, policy, industrial structure, and supply chains. Therefore, in the process of promoting sustainability transitions, these elements and dimensions change simultaneously.
Transitions are not a linear process, but a complex process in which multiple elements evolve together while influencing each other. For example, technological progress creates new markets, which in turn change consumer behavior and affect policy and infrastructure development. This kind of interdependent relationship is key to achieving a transition to a sustainable society.
In order to achieve a successful sustainability transition, it is important to understand and work with these diverse elements.
Feature 2: Multi-actor process “Participation by diverse people”: Various organizations and people collaborate to promote the project Sustainability transitions involve a wide range of actors and social groups, including academia, politics, industry, civil society, and households. These actors and groups have different resources, capabilities, beliefs, strategies, and interests, and are required to work together to promote change.
For example, academia provides new knowledge through research, and policy makers use this knowledge to formulate laws and policies. Businesses propose sustainable business models, and civil society plays a role in supporting these initiatives. In this way, the integration of various perspectives and approaches leads to more effective transitions.
However, the transition is a very complex process that cannot be addressed by a single theory or academic discipline. Because it involves a wide range of aspects and interests in society, it is essential that experts and stakeholders from different fields work together and adopt a comprehensive approach. This kind of cooperation is the key to achieving a sustainable future.
Feature 3: Stability and change “Status Quo vs. Innovation”: The struggle between the forces that seek to maintain the status quo and those that seek to promote change
The sustainability transition process is fraught with difficulties, with the forces that seek to maintain the status quo and those that seek to promote change in opposition to each other. For example, when promoting electric vehicles (EVs) with the aim of decarbonization, deeply-rooted existing systems such as the existing gasoline vehicle industry, related manufacturing industries, infrastructure, logistics, and commercial distribution can become obstacles to change. In such a situation, while existing stakeholders and interested parties show conservative tendencies, new forces aiming for change are always in opposition.
How to reconcile these two opposing orientations is a very important perspective to consider when thinking about transition. Rather than completely eliminating existing industries, it is necessary to seek ways to achieve coexistence and symbiosis, and for this, dialogue and cooperation between the relevant parties is essential, and it is also important to build a platform to deepen mutual understanding.
In addition, there is a need to strike a balance between providing incentives to promote change on the policy front and protecting the interests of existing industries and workers. Through such adjustments, it is hoped that the transition towards a sustainable future will proceed smoothly.
Feature 4: Long-term process “a journey like a marathon”: gradual change with a long-term perspective
In general, sustainability transitions involve a long-term, gradual process. Radical technological innovations and new practices first emerge in small niche areas, and it takes a long time for them to become widely adopted. It also takes time and effort to destabilize existing systems and overcome the resistance of existing actors. For these reasons, transitions are complex processes that do not happen overnight.
Another major characteristic of the transition process is that it has to be carried out in stages, as the content to be addressed at each stage changes. In the initial stages, there is often an emphasis on trialing new technologies and implementing small-scale projects, but as the scale gradually increases, implementation across society as a whole becomes necessary. At this stage, it becomes necessary to review existing infrastructure and policies, and coordination and cooperation between stakeholders becomes essential.
Ultimately, as the transition progresses, it is hoped that new systems and values will be formed to realize a sustainable society, and that existing systems will gradually change. In this way, a transition to sustainability is achieved through a long-term, gradual approach.
Feature 5: Open-endedness and uncertainty “Tackle with uncertainty”: Exploring without specific directions and answers
There are multiple promising innovations and initiatives in all areas, but it is very difficult to predict which will prevail in the future, and there is a lot of uncertainty. For this reason, there is no single transition path, and it is common for there to be multiple options.
The future is open-ended, and sustainability transitions are processes that constantly face uncertainty. For example, the success of a particular technology or policy depends on many factors, including social acceptance, economic changes, and even the impact of the natural environment. There is also the possibility of unexpected results and new issues arising.
In such situations, flexibility and adaptability are important. It is necessary to review strategies and take necessary action quickly in response to new information and changes in circumstances. In other words, transition is not just a plan, but a dynamic process that evolves as it progresses. Understanding this dynamic characteristic will guide us in seeking a path towards a sustainable future.
Feature 6: Values, contestation, and disagreement “Intersection of diverse opinions”: A place where various values and ideas intersect
As various actors are involved in transitions, it is inevitable that there will be conflicts of different values, opinions and even arguments. These conflicts include differences between those who want to maintain the status quo and those who want to change it. Actors with vested interests who want to maintain the status quo will resist the introduction of new technologies and policies, while actors who want to bring about change will seek new approaches, creating conflict.
These differences in values and interests are an inevitable part of the transition process. However, it is important to overcome these conflicts and deepen mutual understanding through dialogue. By promoting open communication between stakeholders and working together while respecting different opinions, the chances of achieving an effective transition towards a sustainable future will increase.
Ultimately, by embracing and making use of diverse opinions without fear of conflict, it will be possible to build a richer and more inclusive society.
Feature 7: Normative directionality “guiding principles for a desirable future” Indicating the direction that everyone should aim for in order to achieve a sustainable future
'Indicating the direction to aim for' means setting common goals and guidelines for the actors involved in the sustainability transition. In the transition, actors with different backgrounds and interests are required to build cooperative relationships, but in doing so, it is necessary to clarify what they are aiming for and what values they are prioritizing.
For example, if the aim is to achieve a decarbonized society, it is necessary to have specific indicators such as what greenhouse gas reduction targets to set and how to plan the rate of introduction of renewable energy. This makes it easier for each actor to understand how their actions and initiatives contribute to the overall goal.
In addition, the setting of clear goals is expected to facilitate communication and cooperation between actors, and to promote the unified advancement of initiatives. Conversely, if goals and standards remain vague, the opinions and actions of each actor may become disjointed, and this may hinder the overall progress of the transition.
In this way, making value judgments about direction and clarifying the goals to be achieved are important steps for effectively moving forward with transitions.
Summary of Sustainability Transition Research
Sustainability transition research has developed as an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand complex social change processes and explore pathways to a sustainable future. In this field, various specialized fields are integrated and research is conducted while influencing each other in order to address environmental issues and social challenges.
As research develops, researchers are re-examining their methodologies and seeking more effective approaches. For example, there is a growing emphasis on qualitative research methods and case studies, as well as quantitative data analysis. This is an important feature of the research, as it allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the actual transition processes and issues through specific examples.
On the other hand, the emphasis on detailed case studies means that there are many individual and unique elements in each context and case, and the challenge is how to systematize the findings obtained. As elements specific to a particular region or context can make it difficult to apply them elsewhere, there is a need for further discussion on how to respect uniqueness and promote wider application. Another major point of contention is how to deal with the complexity of systems in sustainability transitions. As you can see, sustainability transition research is evolving as a dynamic field that encompasses a diverse range of approaches and issues for realizing a sustainable society.
In this article, we have explained the concept of sustainability transitions in the context of transition studies. We will continue to deliver various articles on transition design research on this note series, so please don't miss the next one! Let's enjoy the journey of exploration towards a sustainable future together!
Authors
Authors:
Maoko Fujisaki, Keito Inoue
Editors:
Hiromi Kimoto, Yutaka Osaki
Illustration:
Risako Yanagase
Institute of Science Tokyo, School of Environment and Society, Ohashi Laboratory
ohashi-research-group.com