This book brings together insights from the field of sustainability transitions research generated over the last two decades. In an ideal situation, we envision (early career) researchers intrigued by empirical phenomena around transitions to (re)turn to this book for conceptual and methodological guidance. Rather than offering prescriptive blueprints, the sections in this book show different ways to address questions, frameworks to study them and methodological approaches to derive first insights. Each research journey will necessarily be unique, shaped by its specific questions, contexts and systems under study.

The field’s established frameworks, such as the multi-level perspective or technological innovation systems, have proven their value in analysing a range of different phenomena, technologies and sectors, yet new challenges (e.g. circularity, multi-system settings) may call for alternative or adapted approaches. Even though we tried to be comprehensive, this book does not cover all aspects, nor does it reflect all perspectives. In other words, it is mainly a collection of potential starting points but by no means a substitute for diving deeper into the many research papers and studies out there that go far beyond the current chapters, for example, by providing more depth.

Our intention is to simultaneously appreciate existing scholarship while also questioning its boundaries and limitations, encouraging readers to think beyond established frameworks. As such, it is not a concluding statement on what constitutes sustainability transitions research, but rather an invitation to engage with the field and to envision and pursue new directions of research. We welcome researchers to build upon existing debates, start new discussions and identify unexplored territories. In this way, the handbook aims to both consolidate existing knowledge, through bringing together a collection of prominent ideas and approaches in sustainability transitions research, and catalyse its evolution, acknowledging that the strongest foundations often serve as stepping stones for new ideas.