How Can We Design Policy Better? Frameworks and Approaches for Sustainability Transitions

Abstract

The literature on socio-technical transitions offers a wide range of frameworks and approaches to conceptualise and steer sustainability transitions. However, the complex nature of transition processes, along with the weak correspondence between the transitions literature and policy design, make their joint application rather challenging. In response, this paper proposes a conceptual framework to inform actors managing a system or organisation in a transition process about the steps to follow, from the initial representation of the problem to the formulation of the interventions, and their eventual evaluation for further refinement. This framework is built from an integrative review of the sustainability transitions literature, incorporating state-of-the-art approaches and frameworks to guide policy design. It aims to advance the operationalisation and orientation of policies to accelerate sustainability transitions through a three-phased approach: (i) baseline assessment of systemic challenges, (ii) targets visioning and pathways design, and (iii) implementation and evaluation of policy interventions. The role of the most salient frameworks espoused in the literature is detailed and integrated into the conceptual framework so that transition actors are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to design effective policies for the realisation of their sustainability goals.