The object of theoretical research presented in this article is society as an open non-equilibrium system capable of self-organization. The subject of the study are the factors and driving forces of the institutional transformation of the societal system. The relevance of the study is justified by the prolonged transformational period in the life of Russian society, as well as the increasingly widespread socio-structural crisis phenomena in the world. The scientific problem is determined based on such well-known facts as the low predictability and manageability of the processes of institutional transformation, on the one hand, and the need to reduce the risks associated with them, on the other. Accordingly, the question is raised about the mechanism of institutional transformation, which is proposed to be considered using the principles and provisions of sociosynergetics as a methodological basis. The main element of novelty in this article is the synthesis of neoinstitutional theory with the provisions of sociosynergetics. The study analyzes the process of institutional transformation from the standpoint of the sociosynergetic concept using such categories as energy dissipation, entropy, stationary and nonequilibrium state in their social expression. The characteristics of the evolutionary and crisis stages in the development of the institutional system are given. Attention is focused on the risks of the transformation period and the relationship of its results with the previous period of stability. As a result of the conducted research , the author formulates the following conclusions:1) Subjects of social relations act in accordance with the principle of minimum energy dissipation, as a result of which the foundations of any new order are laid in fluctuations of the previous structure.2) The course of the crisis (transformational) process is adversely affected by both excessive control actions aimed at preserving the previous order, and premature and ill-conceived reforms.3) The prolonged transformation threatens the complete degradation of the societal system due to the depletion of resources needed to reduce entropy.