Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions最新文献

{"title":"“We can’t do everything ourselves.” - Why Swedish municipalities deliberately promote intermediation in governing the mobility transition","authors":"Max Halbwachs ,&nbsp;Sara Gustafsson ,&nbsp;Eugenia Perez Vico","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Literature on intermediation in transitions has emphasised the importance of publicly promoting intermediation. To understand what drives authorities to financially promote intermediation, we conducted an exploratory study of 16 Swedish municipalities promoting an intermediary actor in the mobility transition, applying the framework of drivers of collaborative governance. The results highlight drivers common to most municipalities, including among others administrators’ awareness of collaboration challenges, or their inability to conduct intermediary activities on their own. However, the results also reveal diversity and context dependency of the drivers, leading to municipalities voicing diverse and partly conflicting expectations towards the intermediary. These findings underline the importance of understanding the promotion of intermediation through municipalities as a transactional and personal relationship between administrators and intermediaries. They also underline the relevance of “affective work” to mitigating conflicts caused by the diversity of expectations facing intermediaries, and the importance of municipalities in shaping local ecologies of intermediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100998"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143848343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photovoltaic panels diffusion in Switzerland: understanding adopters profiles using clustering methods","authors":"Pablo Martinez-Alcaraz ,&nbsp;Gloria Serra-Coch ,&nbsp;Maria Hecher ,&nbsp;Claudia R. Binder","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The adoption of photovoltaic panels (PV) by households is essential to meet residential Swiss energy transition targets. While previous studies have mostly focused on the factors influencing PV adoption by comparing adopters with non-adopters, few have acknowledged the heterogeneity of adopters and examined how these factors interrelate and differ among them. This study examines how factors associated with PV adoption differ among groups of adopters, and how these differences relate to socio-demographic, household and building characteristics and the geographic context. In 2022, we surveyed 1300 Swiss PV adopters. To segment the adopters, we used factor analysis and clustering methods factors associated with PV adoption. This multi-dimensional approach revealed recommendations for supporting PV adoption: (i) seize opportunity windows, such as renovations, for professionals to act as change agents, (ii) leverage attitude towards energy-conscious behaviour and perceived control over the technology, and (iii) leverage social influence for vertical diffusion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100995"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A theoretical and systematic examination of finance in strategic niche management","authors":"Amanda-Leigh O'Connell ,&nbsp;Johan Schot","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Financing sustainable technologies for energy transitions is a major policy focus in the Global South, where financing constraints have long hampered economic development. This paper focuses on Strategic Niche Management (SNM) as a framework to guide policymaking for sustainable innovation and transitions. While finance is central to niche processes, its theoretical role in niche development remains underexplored. To address this gap, we develop the concept of the mediation junction and use a mechanisms-based approach to examine how finance interacts with protected spaces as a multi-scalar, multi-level phenomenon. We map three causal pathways through which interactions shape protected spaces, conceptualise a mediating role to articulate structuring effects and propose a method for identifying finance co-evolution and loci of stability as potential sites for radical change. Key strategic insights include small-scale experiments to challenge entrenched financing structures while safeguarding against financial system destabilisation and reprisals from powerful actors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100991"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143807791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tracing actors in policy mixes for transitions: A systematic literature review and insights from policy process theories","authors":"Marie Oltmer ,&nbsp;Meike Löhr","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In transition studies, the concept of policy mixes gains traction. Despite the crucial role actors play in both transition studies and policy processes, it is surprising that explicit conceptualisations of actors within the policy mix concept remain scarce. This paper addresses this gap by conducting a systematic literature review to assess how existing contributions in transition studies conceptualise actors within the concept of policy mixes. We find diverse yet predominantly implicit conceptualisations of actors in the literature. We argue that policy process theories offer considerable potential to strengthen actor conceptualisations within policy mixes. Consequently, we present and discuss actor conceptualisations inspired by two well-established policy process theories: the Advocacy Coalition Framework and the Multiple Streams Framework. A refined theoretical understanding of actors in this field enhances our ability to discern their roles and actions in the politics of policy processes towards policy mixes for sustainability transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100989"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Driving change? Exploring the role of socio-technical experiments in shaping autonomous mobility transitions","authors":"Tim Fraske ,&nbsp;Annika Weiser ,&nbsp;Maximilian Schrapel ,&nbsp;Jens Schippl ,&nbsp;Daniel J. Lang ,&nbsp;Alexey Vinel","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic literature review inquires into the role of socio-technical experiments for autonomous driving and their potential to shape mobility transitions towards sustainability. As an emerging technology in an early stage of transition, AVs are increasingly being tested in different spatial contexts with diverse actor constellations in order to enhance the technology further. This article critically examines the added value of these experiments, how they affect the scaling-up of autonomous driving, and highlights key themes that researchers and practitioners should consider when designing experiments. The most striking aspect of our sample is the lack of continuous participatory methods, as well as weak linkages to the transition literature. Reflecting upon how existing experiments link to the core characteristics of socio-technical experiments, we derive central findings for future research avenues: Scaling-up of AVs requires greater involvement of policymakers and enhanced place-specific approaches, while comprehensive co-design experimentation relies on robust, long-term research infrastructures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100993"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds: Hybrid technologies' multifaceted role in the transition from incumbent to emerging technologies","authors":"Amir Mirzadeh Phirouzabadi","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigates the challenge of using hybrid technologies to accelerate the transition from incumbent to emerging technologies. It delves into the micro-dynamics of technology strategies: exploitation (a passive approach), exploration (a proactive approach), and a balanced exploitation-exploration stance during the transition. Based on technological innovation system (TIS) and Lotka-Volterra models, a system dynamics (SD) technology interaction framework is applied to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles in US market. The SD modelling provides a platform for experimenting with policy mixes by analysing the timing, scale, scope, and sequence of interventions. Several scenarios are explored, such as landscape pressure, predator-prey dynamics, niche- and incumbent-favoured relationships, and sociotechnical transition, spanning from 1985 to a forward-looking 2070. Findings reveal that hybrid technologies play a multifaceted role: as an exploratory solution accelerating technology development dynamics in emerging technologies and as an exploitative solution slowing down market development dynamics in emerging technologies, and hardly inhibiting technology and market development dynamics in incumbent technologies. Moreover, findings confirm the traditional sailing ship effect—establishing a causal link between the emergence of new technologies and the active and systematic enhancement of incumbent technologies—while also uncovering a non-traditional sailing ship effect in the form of ‘spillovers.’ These spillovers enable firms to manage uncertainties and timing in transitions by orchestrating sociotechnical ‘spillbacks’ and ‘spillforwards’ between emerging and incumbent technologies via hybrid technologies. To effectively accelerate transitions using hybrid technologies, the study recommends adopting a sociotechnical policy approach that simultaneously promotes niche creation and regime destabilisation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100992"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143746868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synchronizers, amplifiers, integrators – three strategic roles of co-creating low-carbon aviation value chains","authors":"Martina Fantini,&nbsp;Julius Paul Wesche,&nbsp;Tomas Moe Skjølsvold","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Decarbonizing hard-to-abate-sectors (e.g., aviation) entails the development of novel technology value chains (TVCs) from scratch, likely resulting in new technological innovation systems (TISs). We build upon value chain complementarity literature to investigate the role of strategic agency in TVC development through a qualitative case-study based on Norwegian commercial aviation. We derive three actor roles – <em>synchronizer, amplifier</em>, and <em>integrator</em> – from existing literature and explore their activities and characteristics. We find that although TVC building is a collective effort, each sector plays a unique role in setting up new value chains. While focal producers mostly act as synchronizers, input and user sectors play a major amplifier role, whereas meta-value chain actors are key integrators. Moreover, from an agency perspective, our analysis shows that <em>network breadth</em> and <em>actor versatility</em> are decisive factors affecting the development of new TVCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100990"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143687624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing directionality and institutional production in SDG localisation: Lessons from Melbourne, Australia","authors":"Kathryn Davidson ,&nbsp;Thi Minh Phuong Nguyen ,&nbsp;Alina Kadyrova ,&nbsp;Megan Farrelly","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cities are actively seeking pathways to localise the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] to address urban challenges and drive broader sustainability transitions. Despite increasing momentum, scholars note numerous barriers related to the translation of SDGs into local strategic planning, particularly the lack of consideration of synergies and trade-offs. Such hurdles risk weakening g the directionality of SDGs localisation. We point to the potential of mission-oriented policy thinking aiming to ensure long-term directionality and coherence of policy responses to the challenges posed by the SDGs in practice. Through the case study of the City of Melbourne (Australia), we offer new empirical insights into how mission-oriented policy thinking is useful for progressing the localisation of SDGs. We do so by offering a new analytical framework drawing upon Bergek et al. (2023) and Patterson (2021) to firstly examine directionality challenges in localising SDGs and secondly to identify points of institutional progression and potential gridlocks during these processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100985"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143680046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Citizen participation in food systems transitions: How inclusive should it be?","authors":"Else Giesbers ,&nbsp;Thomas J.M. Mattijssen ,&nbsp;Cees Leeuwis","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Within food systems transitions debates, various arguments are given for inclusive citizen participation in decision-making processes. This article critically discusses these arguments through an integrative literature study. We link scientific papers on transition studies, public participation, inclusivity, and food system research to discuss the need for and relevance of inclusive citizen participation in food systems transitions. The article distinguishes five arguments for the inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes: normative, substantive, legitimate, social learning, and empowerment arguments. These arguments are connected to various dynamics relevant to a transition process. This study shows that there is a fundamental tension between food systems transition thinking and inclusive participation. This tension plays out differently in different dynamics of food systems transitions. Therefore, we propose that the most meaningful form of inclusive citizen participation differs for each dynamic of food systems transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100986"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143680047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analyzing policy mixes for the circular economy transition: The case of recycled plastics in electronics","authors":"David Pfeffer,&nbsp;Denise Reike,&nbsp;Catharina R. Bening","doi":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100982","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eist.2025.100982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyzes how policy mixes influence the transition to a circular plastics economy, focusing on recycling in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector. Our research contributes to the literature on how policy mixes can accelerate sustainability transitions by proposing an adjusted framework tailored to the circular economy transition. We use qualitative content analysis of 14 EU legislative documents and conduct 20 semi-structured interviews with actors across the plastics and EEE value chain. We find that the current policy mix is not conducive to promoting this transition and highlight three key barriers. First, we find short-term inconsistencies between increasing plastic recycling rates and tightening chemical regulations on hazardous substances. Second, we identify a lack of economic incentives to stimulate demand for recycled content and note the absence of harmonized, mandatory criteria for defining end-of-waste and recycled content. Finally, coordination between product users, producers, and recycling operators shows deficits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54294,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100982"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}