Governing translocal experimentation in multi-sited transition programs: Dynamics and challenges

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Abstract

Transition experiments are important instruments to foster sustainability transitions. Transition scholars increasingly suggest investigating how multiple local experiments can become connected across spatial scales, and how transformative dynamics of multiple connected experiments can be facilitated and governed. In this paper we analyze the different types of translocal dynamics involved in simultaneously governing multiple experiments in multi-sited transition programs, by empirically exploring the FIT4FOOD2030 program (2017-2020) that supported 25 transition experiments. Then, we present four overarching challenges in governing translocal experimentation: (1) finding synergies between diverging local needs and program ambitions; (2) navigating the cross-scale political dynamics in multi-sited transition programs; (3) moving beyond output-oriented evaluation frameworks in order to capture transformative efforts of short-term programs; and (4) expanding the boundaries of programs by linking to ongoing policy developments in highly complex multi-level governance settings. We hope our work can inform transition governance efforts in fostering transformative translocal dynamics toward sustainability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)393-407
Number of pages15
JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
Volume43
Early online date16 May 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the European project FIT4FOOD2030, which received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 774088. The funders played no role in the writing process or in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022

Funding

This work was supported by the European project FIT4FOOD2030, which received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 774088. The funders played no role in the writing process or in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Keywords

  • Governance
  • Sustainability transitions
  • Transformative labs
  • Transition experiment
  • Translocal

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