Introduction to Sustainability Transitions Research

Sustainability transitions are crucial for addressing our most urgent environmental and societal challenges. This volume offers a clear and accessible introduction to key concepts, theories and approaches to this rapidly evolving field. Readers will gain insights into the foundational approaches to sustainability transitions research, as well as into the impact of power dynamics, politics, diverse actors and geography on how transitions develop and unfold. Bringing together contributions from over 60 leading and up-and-coming scholars, this volume bridges disciplinary boundaries to examine how sustainable systems emerge and evolve. Designed for both newcomers and experienced professionals, this book serves as a foundational reference for understanding sustainability transitions and navigating the complexities of large-scale transformation. It is essential reading for advanced students and researchers working in sustainability transitions, as well as educators, sustainability policymakers and practitioners. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Julius Wesche is a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He has a PhD from Utrecht University and has 12 years of experience working at Fraunhofer and NTNU. A former Steering Group member of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network, he has worked extensively on low-carbon technologies and explores the interplay of technological change, policy and societal dynamics in sustainability transitions. His podcasts have been streamed over a million times, and he helps scientists enhance their visibility and influence through social media, so that their research can have greater impact.

Abe Hendriks studies sustainability transitions at the Copernicus Institute at Utrecht University. As a former representative to the Steering Group of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network, one of Abe’s key objectives is to foster discussions about knowledge (dissemination) in sustainability transitions. In his ongoing and previous research, he examines the role that imagined futures play in how sustainability transitions are being governed. His PhD research was on the role that imaginaries of a circular economy play in sustainability transitions.