Meso-institutions as systemic intermediaries in sustainable transitions governance

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to build an integrative framework that aims to explain the specific functions of systemic intermediaries in connecting actors/ network of actors to institutions. Relying on both Sustainable Transitions Theory (STS) and New Institutional Economics (NIE), we argue that systemic intermediaries could govern this process by playing the role of meso-institutions. Empirically, we explore two illustrative experiences of sustainable transitions in Brazil, specifying the roles played by the systemic intermediaries in the process: mobility - the process of reducing emissions, and improvement of quality in raw cow milk production systems. These cases illustrate that socio-technical change would be fostered (or hindered) when three key-roles typically performed by meso-institutions are played - translation, monitoring, and enforcement. Our work has also practical implications to public policies - by considering intermediaries acting as meso-institutions as a fundamental part of the processes of change, regulations can reach the micro-institutional level of firm implementation.