The Power of System Archetypes: the Case of Shifting towards More Plant-Based Diets

A shift to more plant-based diets is crucial for human and planetary health, yet research often overlooks the complexities of the food environment. This study applied system archetypes – common behaviour patterns that aid in diagnosing system structures underlying observable events – to analyse feedback loops and delays in European food environments. A complex review of 47 articles identified six archetypes: Fixes that fail, Shifting the burden, Escalation, Success to the successful, Tragedy of the commons, and Supply and demand. Expert panel discussions revealed the socio-political context sustaining these archetypes. The findings identify both systemic barriers and solution pathways to accelerate the protein transition.