Policy mixes for just transitions: A holistic evaluation framework

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a holistic policy evaluation framework that aims to harness a fuller potential of just transitions. Although appeals for broader understanding of just transitions are becoming louder, applicable frameworks supporting consideration of justice in the planning and evaluation of transition policies are still lacking. The evaluation framework developed integrates the multidimensional understanding of justice more consistently into the consideration of policy intervention points for sustainability transitions. We test and apply the framework to the discussions concerning just food system transitions in Finland. The results show that justice issues deserve attention across all the policy intervention points, but their relative importance differ. A better understanding of the relative importance of justice concerns is critical when designing policy mixes for more active and emancipatory just transitions governance. We close the paper by explicating further avenues for the application and development of the framework.