Passing the baton: How intermediaries advance sustainability transitions in different phases

Kivimaa, Paula; Hyysalo, Sampsa; Boon, Wouter; Klerkx, Laurens; Martiskainen, Mari; Schot, JW Johan

doi:10.1016/j.eist.2019.01.001

Cited by 155 publications

(100 citation statements)

References 68 publications

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“…Functions of intermediation are crucial in this regard. An extensive body of literature has been produced on intermediary actions, regarded as an essential factor of sustainability transition processes [72]. Looking more specifically to innovation in agrifood systems, the role of intermediary actions has grown in importance along with an evolution of the approaches to support innovation processes, which progressively moved from a linear, unidirectional model to a network-based, interactive and systemic model [30].…”

Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this context, learning processes and the related actions of facilitation play a central role. At the same time, the complexity of the processes involved has been suggesting the need for a more advanced approach to intermediation, looking at a more articulated, phase-specific, interconnected and distributed function [32,35,36,38,72].…”

Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

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From Co-Learning to Shared Commitment to Agroecology. Some Insights from Initiatives Aimed at Reintroducing Agrobiodiversity

Rossi

2020

Sustainability

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Agroecology represents a holistic approach in the transition to food system sustainability, integrating different dimensions, including knowledge creation, practices redefinition and social mobilisation. This study aims to explore the processes underlying the implementation of the agroecological approach and its transformative potential, focusing on the learning processes that lead to the development of new, shared systems of knowledge, values and beliefs, and to the growth of reflexivity and agency. It aims at deepening the understanding of these processes by analysing the reintroduction of agrobiodiversity in crop/food systems, considering this as a founding element of the agroecological model. Three initiatives located in Italy are investigated to that end. The study analyses role, mechanisms and potential of co-learning processes that develop within the multi-actor networks involved, uncovering enabling and hindering factors. It focuses on the role, reciprocal articulation and cumulative effects of three elements: actors involved and ways of interacting, types of knowledge mobilised and facilitation actions carried out. The findings highlight that the factors ensuring effectiveness of mutual learning, such as modes of actor interaction and, particularly, facilitation, are crucial. At the same time, the mechanisms that intervene seem increasingly complex, showing the need for deeper research and adequate forms of support.

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Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Co-Learning to Shared Commitment to Agroecology. Some Insights from Initiatives Aimed at Reintroducing Agrobiodiversity

Rossi

2020

Sustainability

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“…An intermediary organisation played a major role in the transition in Akureyri. Thus, we used the body of literature on intermediaries in sustainability transitions [5,[24][25][26] to sharpen our understanding of the impact and importance this organisation had. In particular, we relied on the typology developed by Kivimaa et al [25].…”

Section: Theoretical Underpinningsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a Neutral North—The Urban Low Carbon Transitions of Akureyri, Iceland

Kristjansdottir

Busch

2019

Sustainability

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Climate change has made urban decarbonisation a global imperative. Cities are both a source of emissions and a leverage-point for the necessary transformation processes. Iceland is blessed with an ample supply of renewable energy sources. Hydropower and geothermal are widespread in the country and they dominate the country’s electricity and district heating systems. Despite this huge potential, per capita emissions in Iceland are still way above levels required to meet the 2 degrees target. This is because decarbonisation processes have, so far, fallen short of addressing emissions from sectors such as waste and transportation. Against this background, this paper investigates the low carbon transition in the northern Icelandic municipality of Akureyri. With roughly 18,000 inhabitants, the town of Akureyri is the biggest urban centre in the north of the country. Here, a number of key actors have initiated an ambitious urban transformation process of local carbon flows. Based on 19 semi-structured interviews, we analysed the role of key actors and their resources and strategies. To better explore the transition’s underlying mechanisms, we analysed the dynamics through the lens of the multi-level perspective (MLP), applied in a descriptive context. We found that a key factor for success of the urban transition was a strategy that integrated several previously disconnected carbon flows of the community. Important success factors were close community connections, public-private partnerships, the enthusiasm of multiple individuals who drove the process, the establishment of a strong intermediary organisation, and stable political support. The case can teach us about the challenges of transitions that integrate disconnected carbon flows in an urban context. Furthermore, it provides valuable findings on the role intermediary organisations play in these processes.

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“…A vast array of intermediaries can take part in such assemblages. Some examples are research or innovation agencies, funding agencies, private consultancy companies, independent technological consultants, innovation platforms, knowledge advisors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), industries and industry associations, research and technology organizations, producers, and local communities (Howells, 2006;Steyaert et al, 2016;Kivimaa et al, 2019b). Such different people and organizations when assembled in an ecology of intermediaries function together as bridges between a range of actors and a range of actions needed to operationalize a complex situation of change (Kivimaa and Martiskainen, 2018).…”

Section: Ch Ha Ap Pt Te Er R 4mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such different people and organizations when assembled in an ecology of intermediaries function together as bridges between a range of actors and a range of actions needed to operationalize a complex situation of change (Kivimaa and Martiskainen, 2018). In doing so, they play different intermediary rolese.g., policy building (Shaxson et al, 2012;Kivimaa et al, 2019b), coordination building and network building (Stewart and Hyysalo, 2008), knowledge brokering (Klerkx et al, 2014), innovation brokering (Howells, 2006), or finance brokering (Polzin et al, 2016), but somehow in a connected and complementary fashion. In practice, they articulate expectations, demands, and visions; build and broker networks; provide knowledge exchange and back learning processes; enable translation between different actors, interests, and contexts; foster capacity building; provide institutional support, such as advocacy or lobbying initiatives; and develop local technological strategies (Van Lente et al, 2003;Stewart and Hyysalo, 2008;Klerkx and Leeuwis, 2009;Kivimaa et al, 2019b).…”

Section: Ch Ha Ap Pt Te Er R 4mentioning

confidence: 99%

Directionality and systemic governance : Lessons from Brazilian pig system transformations from the 1960s to date

Souza¹,

Carlos²

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Passing the baton: How intermediaries advance sustainability transitions in different phases

Cited by 155 publications

References 68 publications

From Co-Learning to Shared Commitment to Agroecology. Some Insights from Initiatives Aimed at Reintroducing Agrobiodiversity

From Co-Learning to Shared Commitment to Agroecology. Some Insights from Initiatives Aimed at Reintroducing Agrobiodiversity

Towards a Neutral North—The Urban Low Carbon Transitions of Akureyri, Iceland

Directionality and systemic governance : Lessons from Brazilian pig system transformations from the 1960s to date

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