Building on and contributing to sustainability transitions research with qualitative system dynamics

Vincent de Gooyert (Corresponding author), A. Awan, Cem Gürsan, Floris Swennenhuis, Zahra Janipour, Sara Gonella

Onderzoeksoutput: Bijdrage aan tijdschriftTijdschriftartikelAcademicpeer review

4 Citaten (Scopus)
6 Downloads (Pure)

Samenvatting

This paper explores the novel connection between qualitative system dynamics and sustainability transitions research. As the urgency for sustainable solutions intensifies, this interdisciplinary combination offers a promising avenue for addressing complex sustainability challenges. We reflect on recent research projects to establish the value of combining the two fields. We delve into the methodological and theoretical synergies, using examples to illustrate how the two fields can mutually benefit from each other. We find that qualitative system dynamics complements other sustainability transitions research approaches by encouraging (a) more inductive research that results in a broader system boundary than traditional sustainability transitions research frameworks and (b) higher endogeneity, which leads to a better appreciation of the feedback mechanisms that determine whether transitions succeed or not. This leads to an explicit reflection on assumptions that otherwise might remain hidden, and more explicit conceptualizations of the feedback mechanisms driving and hindering sustainability transitions and recommendations on navigating seemingly opposing interests that diminish when seeing the whole system. We also propose how future research can contribute to further cross-fertilization between the two fields, including the need for explicit positioning in terms of starting points, considering different philosophical paradigms, exploring combinations with other analytical approaches to foster change, and increasing reflection on the part of researchers, particularly in participative modes. We argue that the fusion of qualitative system dynamics with sustainability transitions research can significantly enhance our understanding and ability to manage complex sustainability issues, substantially contributing to both academic discourse and practical applications in sustainability transitions.
Originele taal-2Engels
Pagina's (van-tot)1949-1962
Aantal pagina's14
TijdschriftSustainability Science
Volume19
Nummer van het tijdschrift6
Vroegere onlinedatum29 aug. 2024
DOI's
StatusGepubliceerd - nov. 2024

Financiering

Project C4U received funding from the European Union\u2019s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 884418; Project INSpECT is funded by TKI Deltatechnologie and Next Generation Infrastructures; Project EXPLORE is funded by the Dutch Research Council (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek\u2014NWO); Project Sustainable Plastics is funded by Brightsite and the Institute for Management Research (Radboud University).

FinanciersFinanciernummer
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme884418

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