Theories of change in sustainability science: Understanding how change happens

Abstract

Science-based initiatives generate particular changes towards sustainable development. But why and how does this work? Theories of change (ToCs) can help in understanding the theoretical assumptions and modes of knowledge production associated with these initiatives: ToCs trigger debate among the stakeholders and evaluators of an initiative regarding the hypothesized and observed effects of actions as well as regarding underlying assumptions about how change happens. Therefore, they can strengthen the effectiveness of research, practice, and education in sustainability science.

Global progress on financing for adaptation

“…Climate funds and project developers alike need to focus more attention on how exactly adaptation is intended to occur amidst social realities and multiple drivers of vulnerability. Theories of change offer a way to map the intended change process and gain a common understanding about the mechanisms of change (Oberlack et al 2019). However, they need to be developed in a socially inclusive way and informed by local experiences in order not to miss causes of risk that could reduce effectiveness, particularly among the most vulnerable groups (Forsyth 2018).…”

Structured Collaboration Across a Transformative Knowledge Network—Learning Across Disciplines, Cultures and Contexts?

“…In contrast to a linear view of change and measurement approach to impact, the approach argues for a combination of inductive and deductive reasoning-through reflecting on underlying assumptions about how change happens that have been made explicit at the outset (double loop learning)-it is possible to build middle range theory of how change happens, as it happens. We begin to see now a new trend of this application of theory of change also within the sustainability science domain (e.g., [73,74]). The experience of the TKN provides instructive learning on the opportunities and challenges we face as we navigate the tension between a linear view of project management and evaluation that is aimed mainly at accountability and the need for more complexity-aware approaches that can help us understand how transdisciplinarity enables real impact.…”

Urban-Rural Interrelations—A Challenge for Sustainable Land Management

“…Although research about change and transition processes is still in its infancy (cf. Oberlack et al 2019), knowledge about social innovation processes (Sovacool and Hess 2017;Petterson and Huitema 2019) and change models (e.g. Kristof 2010;Oberlack et al 2019) exists in various forms.…”

“…Oberlack et al 2019), knowledge about social innovation processes (Sovacool and Hess 2017;Petterson and Huitema 2019) and change models (e.g. Kristof 2010;Oberlack et al 2019) exists in various forms. For example, the concept of the regional innovation system (RIS) highlights the generation, transfer and application of knowledge.…”