Mapping mental models in sustainability transitions

Abstract

Sustainability transitions inherently involve system change, which needs to be initiated and accepted by a wide variety of actors. How actors perceive the system or transition of interest can shape key decisions in a transition process. Still, little transition research has combined this system perspective with the actor's perspective. At this intersection lies the concept of mental models, which are actors' system perceptions, consisting of beliefs about the causal interrelations between system components. Mapping mental models of actors in sustainability transitions may (1) increase our understanding of the system that needs to transform, (2) reveal obstacles or opportunities for change, and (3) demonstrate similarities and differences in system perceptions between actors. We present three types of transition mental models and illustrate these with examples. We conclude with avenues for future mental model research and discuss how insights from mental models can inform strategies to develop or steer transitions.