The geography of sustainability transitions: Review, synthesis and reflections on an emergent research field

Hansen, Teis; Coenen, Lars

doi:10.1016/j.eist.2014.11.001

Cited by 722 publications

(475 citation statements)

References 100 publications

(146 reference statements)

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“…Although research suggests that experimentation is often embedded in multiscalar networks [12], the factors that shape experimentation are mostly manifest at the local and regional scale and are entangled in path-dependent places. Hence, the landscape of experimentation is geographically uneven; in other words, the potential for experimentation varies across space [10,13].…”

Section: Constituting Dimensions Of Habitatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These elements will be used in the synthesis at the end of this section.) These experiments are enabled by a clear regional vision or a strong economical specialization [10]. A regional vision may function as a selection environment for experiments and development pathways [23] and as a tool to mobilize a group of actors [24].…”

Section: Type Of Governancementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Localized institutions are defined as territorially bound norms, values, and practices; they have a major influence on the uneven spatial landscape of sustainability transitions [10]. This unevenness occurs between regions and between localities, e.g., specific local cooperation cultures and attitudes towards knowledge sharing [18].…”

Section: Informal Localized Institutionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A regional vision may function as a selection environment for experiments and development pathways [23] and as a tool to mobilize a group of actors [24]. A strong economic specialization shapes the development of innovations necessary for sustainability transitions [10]. Guided experiments flourish in a habitat or region with strong guidance from governments or firms [25].…”

Section: Type Of Governancementioning

confidence: 99%

“…First, in their literature review on the geography of transitions, Hansen and Coenen [10] mention three themes which are related to experimentation: urban and regional visions and policies (relating to the habitat dimension 'type of governance'), local technological and industrial specialization (relating to the habitat dimension 'type of knowledge'), and 'informal localized institutions'. Second, the regional innovation systems literature provides an additional dimension concerning 'regional innovation advantages'.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Contrasting Regional Habitats for Urban Sustainability Experimentation in Europe

et al. 2018

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Abstract:The sustainability challenge requires experimentation with innovations, followed by an upscaling process towards a broader regime change in the long term. In Europe we observe various regional hotspots for sustainability experimentation which suggests that there are favorable spatial contexts. Little is known about why different kinds of experiments flourish or fail in various spatial contexts. In this paper we explore these contexts by using the habitat concept. A habitat is regarded as the configuration of favorable local and regional context factors for experimentation. To capture the diversity of these habitats we have constructed archetypical experimentation patterns. These patterns are built up of five dimensions: knowledge, governance, informal institutions, regional innovation advantages, and social learning. In a comparative case study in four city regions in Europe we find a large contrast in habitats. Countercultures play an important role, as they shape a beneficial context for experimentation through alternative ideas and lifestyles. We also find indications that it is important that a combination of several habitat factors is present, and that these factors have aligned and evolved over several years of experimentation, thus leading to a more mature habitat. The research suggests that regional stakeholders can positively influence most of the habitat factors shaping future upscaling. However, there are also some important factors, such as regional knowledge and skills, which have a path-dependent nature and are more difficult to improve in the short term.

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Section: Constituting Dimensions Of Habitatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Type Of Governancementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Informal Localized Institutionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Type Of Governancementioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Contrasting Regional Habitats for Urban Sustainability Experimentation in Europe

et al. 2018

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Coping with Change: (Re) Evolution of Waste Management in Local Authorities in England

Deutz

Kildunne

2021

Sustainable Resource Management, Volume I

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Technological innovation systems for biorefineries: a review of the literature

Bauer

Coenen

Hansen

et al. 2017

Biofuels Bioprod Bioref

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103

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Abstract:The concept of a bioeconomy can be understood as an economy where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals and energy are derived from renewable biological resources. Biorefineries are considered an integral part of the development towards a future sustainable bioeconomy. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize current knowledge about how biorefinery technologies are being developed, deployed, and diffused, and to identify actors, networks and institutions relevant for these processes. A number of key findings can be obtained from the literature. First, investing more resources in R&D will not help to enable biorefineries to cross the 'valley of death' towards greater commercial investments. Second, while the importance and need for entrepreneurship and the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is generally acknowledged, there is no agreement how to facilitate conditions for entrepreneurs and SMEs to enter into the field of biorefineries. Third, visions for biorefinery technologies and products have focused very much on biofuels and bioenergy with legislation and regulation playing an instrumental role in creating a market for these products. But there is a clear need to incentivize non-energy products to encourage investments in biorefineries. Finally, policy support for biorefinery developments and products is heavily intertwined with wider discussions around legitimacy and social acceptance. The paper concludes by outlining current knowledge gaps. 3This is a post-print version

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The geography of sustainability transitions: Review, synthesis and reflections on an emergent research field

Cited by 722 publications

References 100 publications

Contrasting Regional Habitats for Urban Sustainability Experimentation in Europe

Contrasting Regional Habitats for Urban Sustainability Experimentation in Europe

Coping with Change: (Re) Evolution of Waste Management in Local Authorities in England

Technological innovation systems for biorefineries: a review of the literature

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