Modes of governance for sustainability transitions: Conceptual definitions

Abstract

The unsustainability of production and consumption patterns and the socio-technical systems in the energy, mobility, water, and solid waste sectors highlights the need for sustainability transitions. However, the transition management perspective indicates that these transformations cannot be managed in the traditional hierarchical sense. Therefore, new modes of governance are required to deal with the complexity and nature of sustainability issues. This study seeks to elucidate these matters by bringing the literature on sustainability transitions, transition management, and governance modes closer to each other, generating a better understanding of governance in transitions. In addition to the theoretical discussion on the linked concepts, this study also contributes by presenting and characterizing five modes of governance that can facilitate the paths to transformation. They are participatory, collaborative, multilevel, smart, and network governance. These modes of governance differ according to the actors involved and the nature of their interactions and encompass different political processes, institutional structures, and policy content. The assumption is that the modes of governance addressed, which distance themselves from conventional approaches based on top-down control, can favor transition initiatives that promote transformative processes toward a more resilient and sustainable society. However, the inherent embeddedness of the public service is recognized, which requires transitions in governance itself through institutional adaptations and changes in the role of actors and public officials.