Harnessing social innovation for a just transition: A case study of tea industrialization in China's era of ecological civilization

The narrative of 'just transition' has gained significant traction in arenas of transition research and policymaking. Social innovation can play a central role in delivering a just transition, fostering social change and providing social arrangements that enable adjustment to change. Engaging with the ‘shapeshifting’ nature of social innovation, this research conceptualizes social innovation at the core of the just transition. Through an in-depth empirical case of tea industrialization in Enshi, China, this research explores how a locally born social innovation, Enshi Yulu, has gained momentum in advancing a just transition in-the-making in a new era of ecological civilization. The empirical analysis reveals that the key to the empowerment of Enshi Yulu in driving a just transition in Enshi city lies in the introduction of updated forms of the social innovation at opportune moments. This finding underscores the importance of comprehending the context- and time-sensitive nature of social innovation in navigating the directionality of transition towards more just outcomes. The core analytical question lies not in characterizing the ultimate shape of social innovation, but in understanding how certain initiatives come to be understood as social innovation and with what implications.