Ontologies, socio-technical transitions (to sustainability), and the multi-level perspective

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The three levels of the multi-level perspective refer to heterogeneous configurations of increasing stability.

“These 'levels' refer to heterogeneous configurations of increasing stability.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Subsequent struggles between niches and regimes, and possible replacement, take place on multiple dimensions and are enacted by interpretive actors that fight, negotiate, search, learn, and build coalitions.

“Subsequent struggles between niches and regimes, and possible replacement, take place on multiple dimensions (e.g.markets, regulations, cultural meanings, infrastructure) and are enacted by interpretive actors that fight, negotiate, search, learn, and build coalitions as they navigate transitions.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The multi-level perspective distinguishes three analytical levels: niches, socio-technical regimes, and an exogenous socio-technical landscape.

“The MLP distinguishes three analytical levels: niches (the locus for radical innovations), socio-technical regimes, which are locked in and stabilized on several dimensions, and an exogenous socio-technical landscape.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The multi-level perspective proposes that transitions, defined as regime shifts, come about through interacting processes within and between the three levels.

“The MLP proposes that transitions, which are defined as regime shifts, come about through interacting processes within and between these levels.”

May combine two claims.

Transitions do not come about easily because existing regimes are characterized by lock-in and path dependence and are oriented towards incremental innovation along predictable trajectories.

“Transitions do not come about easily, because existing regimes are characterized by lock-in and path dependence, and oriented towards incremental innovation along predictable trajectories.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Niche-innovations may break through more widely if external landscape developments create pressures on the regime that lead to cracks, tensions and windows of opportunity.

“These niche-innovations may break through more widely if external landscape developments create pressures on the regime that lead to cracks, tensions and windows of opportunity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Smith et al. (2005) argued that the multi-level perspective could pay more attention to agency and the role of power in socio-technical transitions.

“Smith et al. (2005) argued that the MLP could pay more attention to agency and the role of power in socio-technical transitions.”

• cites Smith et al. (2005)Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The multi-level perspective is a framework for understanding sustainability transitions that provides an overall view of the multi-dimensional complexity of changes in socio-technical systems.

“The multi-level perspective (Rip and Kemp, 1998;Geels, 2002;Geels, 2004;Geels and Schot, 2007) is a framework for understanding sustainability transitions that provides an overall view of the multi-dimensional complexity of changes in socio-technical systems.”

• cites Rip and Kemp, 1998Not checked yet

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• cites Geels, 2002 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Geels, 2004 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

It cannot be taken for granted that all social theories can or should be incorporated into the multi-level perspective.

“While some of these theories may suggest areas for extension of the MLP, it cannot be taken for granted that all theories can or should be incorporated.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Shove and Walker did not explicate which systemic theories of change they had in mind.

“Unfortunately, they did not explicate which systemic theories of change they had in mind (the Shove and Walker paper in this special issue advocates practice theories).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Neo-classical economics conceptualizes transitions as changes in economic structure driven by changing prices of production factors and outputs, in response to which firms change investment strategies and consumers change purchase decisions.

“Neo-classical economics conceptualizes transitions as changes in the economic structure (e.g. the shift from labour to capital), which are driven by changing prices of production factors and outputs, in response to which firms change their investment strategies and consumers change their purchase decisions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The Freeman and Perez approach has been criticized for technological determinism because of the suggested causality that techno-economic forces do the initial acting and the socio-institutional framework the subsequent reacting.

“The Freeman and Perez (1988) approach has been criticized for technological determinism, because of the suggested causality that techno-economic forces do the initial acting and the socio-institutional framework the subsequent reacting.”

• cites Freeman and Perez (1988)Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Performance feedback, often via market selection, ultimately determines which innovations are retained and stored in the firm's routines.

“Performance feedback, often via market selection, ultimately determines which innovations are retained and stored in the firm's routines.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The strategy literature sees sustainability transitions as strategic dilemmas for firms, who have to balance the risks and opportunities associated with investments.

“The strategy literature sees sustainability transitions as strategic dilemmas for firms, who have to balance the risks and opportunities associated with (sometimes multi-million dollar) investments.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Section 3 positions the multi-level perspective as a crossover approach between evolution theory and interpretivism.

“Section 3 addresses the second question and positions the MLP as a crossover approach between evolution theory and interpretivism.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The relationship between the multi-level perspective and relationism is ambiguous, hovering between inspiration and problems.

“The relationship with relationism is ambiguous, hovering between inspiration and problems.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Shove and Walker (2007) argue for loosening the intellectual grip of innovation studies, backing off from the nested hierarchical multi-level model as the only model, and exploring other social scientific and systemic theories of change.

“Shove and Walker (2007: 768), for instance, argue for “loosening the intellectual grip of 'innovation studies', for backing off from the nested, hierarchical multi-level model as the only model in town, and for exploring other social scientific, but also systemic theories of change” (italics in original, FG).”

• cites Shove and Walker (2007)Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Micro-evolution deals with the mechanisms of variation, selection and retention that underlie genealogical lineages.

“Micro-evolution deals with the mechanisms of variation, selection and retention that underlie genealogical lineages (trajectories).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It may be rational to postpone green investments because of future uncertainties in government regulations, price fluctuations, willingness to pay for green products, and the emergence of green markets.

“On the one hand, it may be rational to postpone 'green' invest-ments because of future uncertainties in government regulations, price fluctuations, the degree to which environmental concerns translate into a willingness to pay more for green products, and the emergence of 'green' markets (Rugman and Verbeke, 1998).”

• cites Rugman and Verbeke, 1998Not checked yet

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The multi-level perspective is not the only approach that makes crossovers between ontologies.

“While Section 3 discusses how the MLP makes crossovers to various ontologies, I thus recognize that the MLP is not the only approach that does so.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The multi-level perspective can be fruitfully extended with insights from structuralism and power theories.

“It further argues that the MLP makes no crossovers to rational choice and functionalism, and can be fruitfully extended with insights from structuralism and power theories.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Technoeconomic paradigms refer to configurations of pervasive technologies, methods of production, economic structures, institutions and beliefs that are stable for long periods because certain key factors offer great benefits.

“TEPs refer to configurations of pervasive technologies, methods of production, economic structures, institutions and beliefs that are stable for long periods because certain 'key factors' offer great benefits.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Incumbent firms may successfully defend their strategic positions when they possess relevant complementary assets such as specialized manufacturing capability, experience with large-scale test trials, access to distribution channels, service networks, or complementary technologies.

“Other strategy scholars suggest, however, that incumbent firms may successfully defend their strategic positions when they possess relevant complementary assets such as specialized manufacturing capability, experience with large-scale test trials, access to distribution channels, service networks, or complementary technologies (Tripsas, 1997;Rothaermel, 2001).”

• cites Tripsas, 1997 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Rothaermel, 2001 sourceNot checked yet

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Green technology leaders may benefit from first mover advantages such as brand recognition, creation of market positions, technology lead, and creation of patent barriers.

“On the other hand, 'green' technology leaders may benefit from first mover advantages (such as brand recognition, creation of market positions, technology lead, creation of patent barriers) that create favourable positions in future 'green' innovation races.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

To stimulate transitions in sustainable directions, neo-classical economists argue that the conditions under which markets operate should be changed.

“To stimulate transitions in sustainable directions, neo-classical economists therefore argue that the conditions under which the markets operate should be changed (Butter and Hofkes, 2006).”

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Neo-classical economics conceptualizes transitions as gradual adjustment to changing prices.

“In sum, neo-classical economics conceptualizes transitions as gradual adjustment to changing prices.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The core drivers for transitions are radical innovations that emerge endogenously from the economic system by entrepreneurial action and lead to creative destruction.

“The core drivers for such transitions are radical innovations, which emerge endogenously from the economic system by entrepreneurial action, and lead to creative destruction.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

New technologies emerging in particular sectors initially face a degree of mismatch between the techno-economic subsystem and the old socio-institutional framework.

“New technologies, which emerge in particular sectors, initially face “a degree of mismatch between the techno-economic sub-system and the old socio-institutional framework” (p.59).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Evolutionary economics since the 1980s focused more specifically on the role of technical change and innovation in firm- and industry-level competition.

“While Schumpeter was interested in broad socio-economic change, evolutionary economics since the 1980s focused more specifically on the role of technical change and innovation in firmand industry-level competition.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

In rational choice, causal agents are self-interested, utilitarian individuals who use instrumental rationality to choose the course of action that maximizes utility with regard to their material preferences, which are considered fixed and given.

“The causal agents in rational choice are self-interested, utilitarian individuals who use instrumental rationality as mechanism to choose the course of action that maximizes utility with regard to their (material) preferences, which are considered fixed and given.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Innovation studies is well placed to address sustainability transitions, but may also require some conceptual broadening to address the normativity and directionality of these transitions.

“ity transitions, but may also require some conceptual broadening to address the normativity and directionality of these transitions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Rational choice assumes actors choose between alternatives that readily exist as a given choice-set and have full and free information about alternatives and consequences.

“Actors choose between alternatives that are assumed to readily exist (as a given choice-set).Actors are further assumed to have full and free information about the alternatives and the consequences of their choices.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Following an evolutionary logic, the process consists of interactions between changes on the variation side and in the selection environment.

“Following an evolutionary logic, the process consists of interactions between changes on the variation side (R&D investments, competence building, knowledge flows, price/performance improvements in 'green' technologies) and in the selection environment (e.g.stricter environmental regulations or changes in user preferences).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The suggestions for extending the multi-level perspective come from very different social theory traditions with different ontological assumptions about causal agents and causal mechanisms.

“These suggestions come from very different social theory traditions, with different ontological assumptions about causal agents and causal mechanisms.”

May combine two claims.

In evolutionary economics, actors are boundedly rational because of information processing limitations and use routines, heuristics, and standard operating procedures in decision-making and problem solving.

“The conceptualization of agents builds on the behavioral theory of the firm (Cyert and March, 1963), in which actors are boundedly rational, because of information processing limitations.Actors therefore use routines, heuristics, standard operating procedures in decisionmaking and day-to-day problem solving.”

• cites Cyert and March, 1963Not checked yet

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Freeman and Louçã refined the approach by distinguishing five equally important subsystems: science, technology, economy, politics and culture.

“Freeman and Louc ¸ȃ (2001) therefore refined the approach by distinguishing five equally important 'sub-systems': science, technology, economy, politics and culture.”

• cites Freeman and Louc ¸ȃ (2001)Not checked yet

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Novelties and radical innovations emerge endogenously through speciation, niches and entrepreneurship.

“It argues that novelties and radical innovations emerge endogenously through speciation, niches and entrepreneurship (Cattani, 2006).”

• cites Cattani, 2006 sourceNot checked yet

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A broader approach to transitions focuses on shifts in technoeconomic paradigms that span the entire economy.

“A broader approach to transitions focuses on shifts in technoeconomic paradigms (TEP) that span the entire economy (Freeman and Perez, 1988).”

• cites Freeman and Perez, 1988Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

In a neo-classical view, environmental problems are caused by market failures because producers cause negative externalities not reflected in price, and by the public good character of a clean environment.

“In a neo-classical view environmental problems are caused by market failures, because producers are causing negative effects (externalities) that are not reflected in the price, and by the public good character of a clean environment (which leads to 'free rider' effects that limit 'green' investments).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Work on green techno-economic paradigms emphasises the green potential of the ICT paradigm for energy and material savings in existing products and production processes.

“Work on 'green' techno-economic paradigms (Freeman, 1992) emphasises the 'green' potential of the ICT-paradigm for energy and material savings in existing products and production processes (e.g.better monitoring and control, miniaturization, teleworking, teleconferencing).”

• cites Freeman, 1992Not checked yet

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Attackers are thought to have advantages because they are more agile and flexible in responding to new technologies than incumbent firms for whom initial small markets do not generate enough profits and return-on-investment.

“Attackers are thought to have advantages because they are more agile and flexible in responding to new technologies than incumbent firms for whom the initial small markets do not generate enough profits and return-on-investment (Foster, 1986;Christensen, 1997).”

• cites Foster, 1986Not checked yet

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• cites Christensen, 1997Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Firms are adaptive agents that engage in problemistic search to find solutions to problems, and search processes such as R&D are guided by routines such as search heuristics and resource allocation routines.

“Firms are adaptive agents that engage in problemistic search to find solutions to these problems.Search processes such as R&D, which generate innovations, are also guided by routines such as search heuristics and resource allocation routines.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In technological discontinuity approaches, transitions towards sustainability are driven by the development of green technologies.

“In technological discontinuity approaches, transitions towards sustainability are driven by the development of 'green' technologies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The positioning school addresses transitions in terms of new entrants and new technologies that contest the positions of existing firms and technologies.

“The positioning school, especially as developed in some of the industrial organization literature, addresses transitions in terms of new entrants and new technologies that contest the positions of existing firms and technologies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The strategy planning school has little to say about transitions because it assumes stable conditions where plans can be made and administered.

“The strategy planning school has little to say about transitions, because it assumes stable conditions where plans can be made and administered.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Neo-classical economics is the main exemplar of rational choice, focusing on rational resource allocation decisions under conditions of scarcity.

“Neo-classical economics is the main exemplar, focusing on rational resource allocation decisions under conditions of scarcity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Micro-evolution conceptualizes change as incremental adaptation that proceeds through trial-and-error and behavioural learning.

“Micro-evolution thus conceptualizes change as incremental adaptation, which proceeds through trial-and-error and behavioural learning.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Because socio-technical transitions are multi-dimensional phenomena, they can be studied from various angles by different disciplines.

“Because socio-technical transitions are multi-dimensional phenomena, they can be studied from various angles by different disciplines.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Socio-technical transitions are multi-dimensional phenomena.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Firms that have a green lead may convince policy makers to issue stricter regulations and thus impose imitation costs on competitors.

“Firms that have a 'green' lead may also convince policy makers to issue stricter regulations and thus impose 'imitation costs' on competitors (Puller, 2006).”

• cites Puller, 2006 sourceNot checked yet

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Not all of the seven ontologies explicitly address sustainability or transitions in their entire socio-technical complexity.

“One qualifier is that not all of these ontologies explicitly address sustainability or transitions in their entire socio-technical complexity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Schumpeter argued that economic evolution is lopsided, discontinuous, disharmonious, studded with violent outbursts and catastrophes, and more like a series of explosions than a gentle transformation.

“Criticizing the gradual adjustment view of neo-classical economics, Schumpeter (1939), for instance, argued that economic “evolution is lopsided, discontinuous, disharmonious by nature. . .studded with violent outbursts and catastrophes. . .more like a series of explosions than a gentle, though incessant, transformation” (p.102).”

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May combine two claims.

Causal mechanisms in ontologies are empirically underspecified, exist outside specific spatial and temporal boundaries, and cannot be directly observed.

““These mechanisms are empirically underspecified, exist outside specific spatial and temporal boundaries, and cannot be directly observed.(. ..) they are treated as ontologically primitive causes of outcomes and associations” (Mahoney, 2004: 461).”

• cites Mahoney, 2004 sourceNot checked yet

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Search tends to be close to existing routines, localized and incremental, and actors satisfice rather than optimize.

“Search tends to be close to existing routines, localized and incremental: “the probability distribution of what is found is concentrated on techniques close to the current one” (Nelson and Winter, 1982: 211).This means that actors do not optimize, but satisfice: they do not explore the whole search space, but stop searching when they find an alternative that seems satisfactory.”

• cites Nelson and Winter, 1982Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In evolution theory, the causal agent is a population of heterogeneous agents.

“The causal agent in evolution theory is a population of heterogeneous agents.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Macro-evolution deals with long-term change patterns such as transformation, speciation, ecological invasion, punctuation and extinction.

“Macro-evolution deals with long-term change patterns such as transformation, speciation, ecological invasion, punctuation and extinction.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Markard and Truffer (2008) argued that incorporation of the technological innovation systems approach into the multi-level perspective might result in an overarching conceptualization and encompassing theoretical framework of socio-technical change.

“Markard and Truffer (2008) argued that incorporation of the technological innovation systems (TIS) approach into the MLP might result in an “overarching conceptualization” and “encompassing theoretical framework of socio-technical change” (p.612).”

• cites Markard and Truffer (2008)Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Major mal-adjustments between subsystem dynamics lead to economic crises and opportunities for the breakthrough of major innovations and new technoeconomic paradigms.

“Major mal-adjustments between sub-system dynamics lead to economic crises and opportunities for the breakthrough of major innovations and new TEPs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Parsons distinguished four core functions (AGIL) needed for stable continuation: Adaptation, Goal-attainment, Integration, and Latency.

“For general social systems Parsons (1951) distinguished four core functions (AGIL) that need fulfilment to maintain stable continuation: (1) Adaptation: interaction with nature and produce commodities, (2) Goal-attainment: setting goals and implementing appropriate decisions, (3) Integration: creation of harmony and convergence through shared values and norms, (4) Latency: pattern maintenance over”

• cites Parsons, 1951Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Shifts in belief systems, ideologies and public opinion influence consumer preferences and values and create credibility pressure on and legitimacy for policy makers to introduce strict regulations.

“Such shifts not only influence consumer preferences and values but also create credibility pressure on and legitimacy for policy makers to introduce strict regulations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Transition management advocates suggest that convergence can be facilitated through participatory visioning exercises, multistakeholder learning processes, and societal debates.

“Transition management advocates (Rotmans et al., 2001) suggest that this process can be facilitated through participatory visioning exercises, multistakeholder learning processes, and societal debates.”

• cites Rotmans et al., 2001 sourceNot checked yet

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Complex systems theory conceptualizes transitions as punctuated equilibria, shifts from one dynamically stable state to another.

“Complex systems theory conceptualizes transitions as punctuated equilibria, shifts from one dynamically stable state to another (Holland, 1995).”

• cites Holland, 1995Not checked yet

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Realization of change also requires spillovers to other domains such as politics and economics.

“While this suggestion resonates with structuralism, which argues that large-scale changes start with new ideas, ideologies and discourses, it also indicates that realization of change also requires spillovers to other domains (e.g.politics, economics).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Neo-functionalists developed more dynamic frameworks that allow more agency and include crossovers to interpretivism, structuralism, and conflict theories.

“Neo-functionalists therefore developed more dynamic frameworks that allow more agency and include crossovers to interpretivism, structuralism and conflict theories.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In the 1960s and 1970s, Parsons's structural-functionalism was criticized for reification, teleology, an over-socialized view of actors, and a bias towards consensus and stability.

“In the 1960s and 1970s, Parson's structural-functionalism was criticized for reification, teleology, an over-socialized view of actors, and a bias towards consensus and stability.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

While early theorists emphasised isomorphism, conformity and stability, institutional scholars have also begun to investigate variety, change and strategic responses to institutional pressures.

“While early theorists emphasised isomorphism, conformity and stability, institutional scholars have also begun to investigate variety, change and strategic responses to institutional pressures (Greenwood and Hinings, 1996).”

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Dynamic system theories emerged from the natural and technical sciences, including system dynamics, integrated systems theory, soft systems approaches, and complex systems theory.

“Dynamic system theories also emerged from the natural and technical sciences, e.g.system dynamics, integrated systems theory, soft systems approaches and complex systems theory (Holland, 1995;Kauffman, 1995).”

• cites Holland, 1995Not checked yet

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• cites Kauffman, 1995Not checked yet

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Structural anthropology aims to uncover the cultural deep grammar made up of binary opposites.

“One examplar is structural anthropology, which aims to uncover the cultural 'deep grammar' made up of 'binary' opposites (Lévi-Strauss, 1963).”

• cites Lévi-Strauss, 1963Not checked yet

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Morel and Ramanujam characterize complexity theory as a heterogeneous ensemble of exciting observations that need further operationalization beyond metaphors for broader application in the social domain.

“Morel and Ramanujam (1999) therefore characterize complexity theory as a heterogeneous ensemble of exciting observations, which, however, need further operationalization beyond the metaphors for broader application in the social domain.”

• cites Morel and Ramanujam, 1999Not checked yet

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Such a shift would require greater urgency about new environmental problems and widespread beliefs that radical green innovations are feasible and desirable.

“such a shift would require a greater sense of urgency about the new environmental problems and widespread beliefs that radical 'green' innovations are feasible and desirable.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Functionalism's causal agent is the social system, and its causal mechanism is the fulfillment of system needs/goals by actors who fulfill functions, tasks, or roles.

“The causal agent in functionalism is the social system.The causal mechanism is the fulfillment of system needs/goals by actors who fulfil functions, tasks or roles.”

May combine two claims.

Evolutionary theory assumes bounded rationality, while interpretivism focuses on intersubjective sense-making and symbolic constructions of reality.

“While evolutionary theory assumes 'bounded rationality' (based on information processing limitations), interpretivism/constructivism focuses on intersubjective sense-making and symbolic constructions of reality through which people create shared interpretations (Berger and Luckman, 1967).”

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There is not one green innovation around which opinions coalesce; instead there are multiple green options appraised differently by various social groups.

“There is not one 'green' innovation around which opinions coalesce.Instead, there are multiple 'green' options, which are appraised differently by various social groups.6”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Functionalism tends to assume a top-down cockpit view with benevolent leaders and experts adjusting systems in appropriate directions (technocracy).

“Functionalism thus tends to assume a top-down 'cockpit' view with benevolent leaders and experts adjusting systems in appropriate directions (technocracy).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Giddens's structuration theory defines structures as rules and resources and sees actors as knowledgeable agents who interpret and tailor rules to specific contexts.

“Giddens's (1984) structuration theory is an interpretive approach that makes crossovers to structural ontologies, defining structures somewhat abstractly as 'rules and resources'.Actors are seen as knowledgable agents who actively draw upon rules in concrete interactions.They interpret and tailor rules to the demands of specific contexts.”

• cites Giddens, 1984Not checked yet

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SCOT argues that social groups attach different meanings to new technologies, leading to clashing opinions and debates that create uncertainty and prevent full commitments.

“The social construction of technology (SCOT) approach, for instance, argues that social groups attach different meanings to new technologies (Bijker, 1995), leading to clashing opinions and heated debates, which create uncertainty and prevent full commitments from policy makers, consumers, and investors.”

• cites Bijker, 1995Not checked yet

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Freeman highlights the importance of long-term policy frameworks, high-level government support, long-term technology programs with a variety of participants, and strong support of public opinion.

“Although he does not spell out the dynamics of these green system innovations, Freeman does highlight the importance of long-term policy frameworks, highlevel government support, long-term technology programs with a variety of participants, and strong support of public opinion.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In structuralism, cognitive deep structures are the causal agents, operating behind the backs of individual actors and defining what is desirable, acceptable and legitimate.

“These cognitive 'deep structures' are therefore the causal agents, operating 'behind the backs' of individual actors and defining what is desirable, acceptable and legitimate.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Structuration theory maintains active interpretive dynamics while actors are embedded in rules.

“While actors are seen as embedded in rules, structuration theory thus maintains active and interpretive dynamics.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Sustainability transitions may require a shift from the dominant neo-liberal/globalization agenda to a sustainable development/social transformation agenda.

“sustainability transitions may require a shift towards the second agenda.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Structuralism argues that large-scale changes start with new ideas, ideologies and discourses.

“While this suggestion resonates with structuralism, which argues that large-scale changes start with new ideas, ideologies and discourses, it also indicates that realization of change also requires spillovers to other domains (e.g.politics, economics).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These criticisms tainted functionalism's reputation and made it suspicious in social theory.

“These criticisms tainted the reputation of functionalism and made it 'suspicious' in social theory.7”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Sustainability is an ambiguous and contested concept.

“Sustainability is an ambiguous and contested concept.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Sustainability transitions should be seen as deliberative social learning processes, not technocratic challenges.

“Sustainability transitions should therefore not be seen as technocratic challenges, but as deliberative social learning processes (Stirling, 2007).”

• cites Stirling, 2007 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Interpretivism perceives actors as creative and continuously engaged in sense-making.

“interpretivism/constructivism perceives actors as creative and continuously engaged in sense-making (Weick, 1979).”

• cites Weick, 1979Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Later scholars argued that suspicion of functionalism makes it difficult to ask questions about larger social constellations.

“Later scholars (e.g.Mouzelis, 1995) argued, however, that the baby may have been thrown out with the bathwater and that the suspicion of functionalism makes it difficult to ask questions about larger social constellations.”

• cites Mouzelis, 1995Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Learning includes behavioural learning (learning-by-doing) and cognitive learning (action, reflection, sensemaking).

“Learning not only includes behavioural learning (learning-by-doing which evolutionary theories operationalize through search and performance feedback), but also cognitive learning (which emphasizes action, reflection and sensemaking) (Schön, 1983;Gavetti and Levinthal, 2000).”

• cites Schön, 1983Not checked yet

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• cites Gavetti and Levinthal, 2000Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Functionalism assumes a division of tasks and responsibilities, but all groups are impelled to contribute to the overall goal of stable functioning of the social system.

“Although functionalism assumes a division of tasks and responsibilities, all groups are impelled to contribute to the overall goal: stable functioning of the social system.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Structuralism perceives actors as part of social collectives that share particular belief systems, symbolic sets and cultural categories that provide meaning and a sense of direction.

“Structuralism perceives actors as part of social collectives that share particular belief systems, symbolic sets and cultural categories that provide meaning and a sense of direction.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Braudel distinguishes three phases in the transition to welfare states: an ideological phase, a mobilization phase, and a political/governmental phase.

“Braudel (1993), for instance, distinguishes three phases in the transition to welfare states: (1) the ideological phase (1815-1870), where social reformers drew attention to poverty-related problems and developed new ideas and vocabularies with words like industrialist, capitalist, exploitation, proletariat, the masses, and Socialism; (2) the phase of mobilization , where militant labor (trade un”

• cites Braudel (1993)Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Freeman acknowledges that incremental improvement of existing systems will not be enough to achieve the needed scale of reduction in energy and materials consumption in industrial countries during the twenty-first century, and that radical innovations including new transport, construction and industrial systems will be needed.

“But in his conclusions, Freeman (1992: 207) acknowledges that this is not sufficient: “the incremental improvement of existing systems will not be enough to achieve the scale of reduction in energy and materials consumption which will be needed in the industrial countries during the twenty-first century.Radical innovations will be needed including new transport, construction and industrial systems”

• cites Freeman (1992)Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

In structural-functionalism, change is caused by external disturbances that disrupt equilibriums, create tensions, and change system needs; the system then adjusts and settles into a new equilibrium.

“In structural-functionalism, change is caused by external disturbances that disrupt equilibriums, create tensions, and change system needs.The system then adjusts through changes in the Goalattainment and Adaptation-functions and settles down in a new equilibrium.”

May combine two claims.

Actors have different interpretations of the balance between social, economic, and environmental sustainability, different rankings of environmental problems, and different views about solutions and policy packages.

“Actors not only have different interpretations of the right balance between social, economic and environmental sustainability, but also have different rankings of environmental problems and hold different views about the (dis)advantages of particular solutions and the most appropriate policy packages.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Modern societies have developed industries, markets, science, and technology for Adaptation; political institutions for Goal-attainment; religion and civil society for Integration; and schools and families for Latency.

“Modern societies have developed industries, markets, science and technology for Adaptation; political institutions for Goal-attainment; religion and civil society for Integration; and schools and families for Latency.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Weber argued that shifts in societal beliefs, ideas and ideologies may influence the direction of societal development.

“In his famous switchmen metaphors, Weber argued that shifts in societal beliefs, ideas and ideologies may influence the direction of societal development.”

• cites WeberNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Some claim complex systems theory can be applied to economic, ecological, and social systems, but the operationalization of actors tends to be abstract with few concrete sociological characteristics.

“While some claim that complex systems theory can be applied to economic, ecological and social systems (Holling, 2001), the operationalization of actors tends to be abstract and with few concrete sociological characteristics (Horgan, 1995).”

• cites Holling, 2001 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Horgan, 1995 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These system theories address dynamic interactions between system elements, whereas functionalism distinguishes separate domains and sub-systems.

“Whereas functionalism distinguishes separate domains and sub-systems, these system theories address dynamic interactions between system elements.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Macro-historians suggest that ideological and cultural changes often create an initial impetus for societal change.

“Also macro-historians suggest that ideological and cultural changes often create an initial impetus for societal change.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

For deliberate transitions, political leaders and experts develop new goals and use science and technology to adjust the economic sub-system; the new system is anchored in new behavioural norms and values through Integration and Latency.

“For deliberate (purposive) transitions, political leaders (Holling, 2001: 394). and experts develop new goals and subsequently use science and technology to adjust the economic sub-system.The new system is then anchored in new behavioural norms and values through the internally oriented functions (Integration, Latency).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Interactive mechanisms in interpretivism are conversations, debates, negotiations, and learning processes.

“Interactive mechanisms are conversations, debates, negotiations, and learning processes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Conformity to cognitive institutions confers legitimacy, which helps firms create public acceptance, political protection and venture capital mobilization.

“Conformity to cognitive institutions confers legitimacy, which help firms to create public acceptance, political protection and venture capital mobilization (Suchman, 1995).”

• cites Suchman, 1995 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Deep ecology and eco-centrist approaches reject Modernism and advocate deep green lifestyles, localism, and decentralized renewable energy.

“More radical cultural shifts are advocated by 'deep ecology' and eco-centrist approaches (Katz et al., 2000), which reject 'Modernism' (based on economic growth, science, technical progress) and advocate 'deep green' life styles, localism and decentralized renewable energy options.”

• cites Katz et al., 2000Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Interpretivism/constructivism is an agency-oriented ontology interested in meaning.

“The interpretive/constructivist ontology is, like structuralism, interested in 'meaning', but it takes a more agency-oriented approach.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

When internal dynamics create rigidities or vulnerabilities, external shocks may lead to system collapse, release of accumulated resources, and a shift towards a new basin of attraction.

“When internal dynamics create rigidities (reducing the system's adaptive potential) or vulnerabilities (moving the system towards thresholds), external shocks may lead to system collapse, the release of accumulated resources and a shift towards a new 'basin of attraction'.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Struggles, plotting, and coalition building appear as a dimension of all social domains where people have conflicting interests.

“Struggles, plotting, and coalition building thus appeared as a dimension of all social domains where people have conflicting interests.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These scholars ask for more analytical attention to the 'socio' in socio-technical transitions and for analysis of the construction of 'normality' in user practices.

“These scholars therefore ask for more analytical attention to the 'socio' in socio-technical transitions and for analysis of the construction of 'normality' in user practices.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Corporatist networks may also change because of credibility pressure from public opinion and the electorate.

“Corporatist networks may also change because of credibility pressure from public opinion (see the discussion under structuralism) and the electorate, the other constituency policy makers depend on.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In the growth phase, entrepreneurs exploit new opportunities, gradually leading to the emergence of a new system guided by an attractor.

“In the growth phase, entrepreneurs exploit new opportunities, gradually leading to the emergence of a new system (guided by an attractor).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Relationist theories contain no exogenous causes because everything is endogenized in terms of networks and ongoing relations.

“Relationist theories contain no exogenous causes, because everything is endogenized in terms of networks and ongoing relations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Resilience Alliance scholars argue for adaptive management of socio-environmental systems based on diversity, learning, flexibility, and stakeholder involvement.

“Acknowledging non-linear dynamics and uncertainties in complex systems, scholars in the Resilience Alliance (www.resalliance.org/1.php)argue for adaptive management of socio-environmental systems based on diversity, learning, flexibility, stakeholder involvement (Berkes et al., 2003).”

• cites Berkes et al., 2003Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Conflict and power scholars have made crossovers to other ontologies.

“Conflict and power scholars have thus made crossovers to other ontologies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In a functionalist logic, external environmental shocks and disasters may be needed to achieve sustainability transitions.

“In a functionalist logic (external) environmental shocks and disasters may therefore be needed to achieve sustainability transitions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Conflict theories are opposites of functionalism: they see processes and struggles rather than static society, contestation and conflict rather than orderliness, and order arising from coercion rather than shared norms, values, and goals.

“Conflict theories are opposites of functionalism in various respects.Where functionalism sees society as static, conflict theories see processes and struggles; where functionalism emphasizes the orderliness of society, conflict theorists see contestation and conflict; where functionalism sees society as being held together by norms, values and shared goals, conflict scholars argue that order”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Hård developed a social conflict approach that criticized SCOT for analyzing interpretive closure processes as consensual negotiation and highlighted power struggles as a closure mechanism in technological change.

“In a similar vein, Hård (1993) developed a social conflict approach that criticized the Social Construction of Technology Approach for analyzing interpretive closure processes in terms of consensual negotiation and highlighted power struggles as closure mechanism in technological change.”

• cites Hård, 1993Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Holling portrays an adaptive cycle supposed to hold for all complex adaptive systems, consisting of four phases: exploitation/growth, accumulation/conservation, collapse/release, and renewal/reorganization.

“Holling (2001) schematically portrays an adaptive cycle, which is supposed to hold for all complex adaptive systems and consists of four phases: exploitation/growth, accumulation/conservation, collapse/release and renewal/reorganization (Fig. 2).”

• cites Holling, 2001 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

As connections increase and resources accumulate, systems gain stability and move into the conservation phase, a semi-stable equilibrium that may persist for a long time.

“As connections increase and resource accumulate, systems gain stability and move into the conservation phase, characterized by a semi-stable equilibrium that may persist for a long time.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the last 50-100 years, people experienced and enacted major shifts in social practices such as bathing and showering, office heating and cooling, and laundry, leading to major increases in the use of chemicals, water, and energy.

“In the last 50-100 years, people experienced and enacted major shifts in social practices such as bathing and showering, office heating and cooling, and the laundry, leading to major increases in the use of chemicals, water, and energy (Shove, 2003).”

• cites Shove, 2003Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

While Neo-Marxist theories tend to focus on collective actors, other conflict theorists shifted focus to micro-power and conflicts between self-interested individuals.

“While Neo-Marxist theories tend to focus on collective actors, other conflict theorists shifted the focus to 'micro-power' (Collins, 1975) and conflicts between self-interested individuals.”

• cites Collins, 1975Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Practice approaches have been extended to user practices, conceptualized as fluid constellations of material objects/technologies, symbolic meanings and images, and user competence/skills.

“Practice approaches have also been extended to user practices, which are conceptualized as fluid constellations of material objects/technologies, symbolic meanings and images, and user competence/skills (Shove and Pantzar, 2005).”

• cites Shove and Pantzar, 2005Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

This short collapse phase is followed by reorganization of elements and resources through self-organization, experimentation, and new combinations.

“This short phase is followed by reorganization of elements and resources (self-organization, experimentation, new combinations).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

While relationism criticizes other ontologies for reification and essentialism, other ontologies criticize relationism for relativism and limited explanatory potential.

“While relationism criticizes other ontologies for reification and essentialism, other ontologies criticize relationism for relativism and limited explanatory potential.”

May combine two claims.

Niche actors lobby for subsidies or favourable regulations but are usually less influential because they have less political and economic clout.

“Niche actors, who also lobby for subsidies or favourable regulations, are usually less influential, because they have less political and economic clout.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

ANT talks of human and non-human actants and conceptualizes innovation as a complex alignment process of heterogeneous elements.

“ANT therefore talks of human and non-human 'actants' and conceptualizes innovation as complex alignment process of heterogeneous elements.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Although the purpose is to prevent transitions understood as collapse of productive eco-systems, these suggestions have similarities with transition management that aims to stimulate transitions to more sustainable systems.

“Although the purpose is to prevent transitions (understood as collapse of productive eco-systems), it is interesting that these suggestions have similarities with transition management (Rotmans et al., 2001) that aims to stimulate transitions to more sustainable systems.”

• cites Rotmans et al., 2001 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Figuration sociology argues that actors are caught up in social figurations characterized by emergent characteristics and unintended consequences.

“One exemplar is figuration sociology (Elias, 1978), which argues that actors are caught up in social figurations characterized by emergent characteristics and unintended consequences:”

• cites Elias, 1978Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

ANT conceptualizes the world as flat (or folded) and refutes the notion of institutions or structural levels.

“ANT, for example, conceptualises the world as 'flat' (or folded) and refutes the notion of institutions or structural levels:”

• cites Callon, 2002 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Practice theories focus on local practices and everyday lifeworlds, highlighting mechanisms such as improvisation, tinkering, bricolage, and repair work.

“Practice theories form another exemplar, focusing on local practices and everyday lifeworlds, and highlighting mechanisms such as improvisation, tinkering, bricolage, and repair work (see also Shove and Walker in this special issue).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

They use terms such as horizontal circulation, interconnectedness of many elements, active integration of constitutive elements, and practices have emergent and uncontrollable trajectories to hint at interesting dynamics.

“They use terms such as 'horizontal circulation', 'interconnectedness of many elements', 'active integration of constitutive elements', and 'practices have emergent and uncontrollable trajectories' to hint at interesting dynamics.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Because these terms are more descriptive than explanatory, it remains unclear how they can be used to analyse the dynamics of convention beyond the empirical mapping of individual cases.

“But because these terms are more descriptive than explanatory, it remains unclear how they can be used to 'analyse the dynamics of convention' in a way that goes beyond the empirical mapping of individual cases.”

May combine two claims.

The problem for sustainability transitions is that many unsustainable industries have many economic resources and good political contacts, which may hinder, delay, or water down strict environmental regulations.

“The problem for sustainability transitions is that many unsustainable industries have many economic resources and good political contacts, which may hinder, delay or water down strict environmental regulations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Theories may therefore be defamiliarizing and rich in paradox.

“Theories may therefore be defamiliarizing and rich in paradox.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Conflict and power ontology's causal agents are collective actors with conflicting goals and interests; the core mechanism is conflict and power struggle, with dominant groups using power to protect their interests against subordinate groups seeking change.

“Causal agents in the conflict and power ontology are collective actors (classes, industry associations, social movements, special-interest groups) with conflicting goals and interests.The core mechanism is conflict and power struggle, with dominant groups using power (force, domination, control, exclusion) to protect their interests against subordinate groups that seek change.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

This work focuses more on adaptation than mitigation, asking how socio-environmental systems should adapt to stresses from natural resource exploitation or environmental change.

“This work focuses more on adaptation than mitigation, asking how socioenvironmental systems should adapt to stresses that come from natural resource exploitation or environmental change.”

May combine two claims.

While individual moves and specific events can be explained with causal mechanisms, the interweaving of individual moves leads to event sequences and aggregated processes that are not foreseen or controlled.

“While moves by individual actors and specific events can be explained with causal mechanisms (e.g.calculation, power struggles, interpretation), the interweaving of individual moves leads to event sequences and aggregated processes that are not foreseen or controlled.”

May combine two claims.

While it is doable to empirically follow the actors in these projects, this method creates practical problems for large-scale transitions with many thousands of actors.

“While it is doable to empirically 'follow the actors' in these projects, this method creates practical problems for large-scale transitions with many thousands of actors.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The previous sections demonstrated the breadth of generic social science traditions and how their insights can be related to socio-technical transitions and sustainability.

“The previous sections demonstrated the breath of generic social science traditions and how their insights can be related to sociotechnical transitions and sustainability.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

This abstract representation shows family resemblances to Schumpeterian waves of creative destruction but has deterministic and teleological overtones because specific social mechanisms remain underspecified.

“This abstract representation shows family resemblances to Schumpeterian waves of creative destruction.8 But since specific social mechanisms remain underspecified, it also has deterministic and teleological overtones (related to attractors and predetermined phases).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The environmental sense of urgency will be lower than for functional problems such as congestion or energy security that directly affect transport and energy systems.

“The environmental sense of urgency will then be lower than for functional problems such as congestion or energy security that directly affect transport and energy systems.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Various conflict and power theories highlight different sources of power and different social groups.

“There are various conflict and power theories, which highlight different sources of power and different social groups.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Shove and Walker's commentary suggests that changes in social practices come about through integration or erosion of various elements or ingredients.

“Their commentary suggests that changes in social practices come about through integration (or erosion) of various 'elements' or 'ingredients'.12”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Røpke argues that the environmental debate is skewed towards supply-side issues, ignoring major unsustainable demand-side changes that led to larger housing areas, more household equipment, higher meat consumption, greater mobility, and more long-distance travel.

“Also Røpke (2001) argues that the environmental debate is skewed towards supplyside issues, ignoring major (unsustainable) demand-side changes that led to larger housing areas, more household equipment, higher meat consumption, greater mobility, more long-distance travel, etc.”

• cites Røpke, 2001 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Dynamic networks are primary; actors are secondary.

“Dynamic networks are primary, actors secondary.10”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Marx emphasized power related to material resources, arguing that capitalists who own property and means of production control workers who must sell their labour.

“Marx, for instance, emphasised the power related to material resources, arguing that capitalists who own property and 'means of production' have control over workers who must sell their labour to earn a living.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

New vocabularies and concepts can be criticized for empiricism: good at description, weak at explanation.

“The new vocabulairies and concepts can, however, be criticized for empiricism: good at description, weak at explanation (Collins and Yearley, 1992).”

• cites Collins and Yearley, 1992Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Causal mechanisms in relationism emphasize processes such as alignment, enrolment, attachments, translation, co-construction, and mutual constitution.

“Causal mechanisms emphasise processes such as alignment, enrolment, attachments, translation, co-construction and mutual constitution.”

May combine two claims.

Sustainability transitions in the conflict/power ontology may require either increasing pressure from public opinion on policy makers or further growth of green niches into important economic sectors that can successfully lobby for regulatory changes.

“Sustainability transitions in this ontology may thus require either increasing pressure from public opinion on policy makers or further growth of 'green' niches into important economic sectors that can successfully lobby for further regulatory changes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Relationism assumes that the identity, preferences, and interests of individual actors are fluid and constituted by relations and ongoing interactions, which are therefore the causal agent.

“Relationism instead assumes that the identity, preferences and interests of individual actors are fluid and constituted by relations and ongoing interactions, which are therefore the causal agent.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

ANT develops a relationist view that includes materiality; humans shape artefacts, and artefacts shape humans.

“An exemplar in the STI-field is actor-network theory (e.g.Latour, 1987).While Elias looks at social figurations, ANT develops a relationist view that includes materiality (artefacts, technology).In this view, humans not only shape artefacts, but artefacts also shape humans.”

• cites Latour, 1987Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

For sustainability transitions, structural-functionalism argues that societies, especially policy makers, should set overarching environmental goals.

“For sustainability transitions, structural-functionalism argues that societies, especially policy makers, should set overarching environmental goals (e.g. the Kyoto Protocol, Millennium Development Goals).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Relationism is a non-essentialist process ontology that criticizes other ontologies for assuming foundational attributes and searching for ultimate causes.

“Relationism is a non-essentialist process ontology, which criticizes other ontologies for assuming that people have foundational attributes and for (fruitlessly) searching for ultimate causes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Critical theorists from the Frankfurt school emphasized cultural dimensions of power and oppression, especially the rise of culture industries and instrumental rationality.

“Critical theorists from the Frankfurt school (e.g.Horkheimer and Adorno, 1947) also emphasized the cultural dimensions of power and oppression, in particular the rise of culture industries and instrumental rationality.”

• cites Horkheimer and Adorno, 1947Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Hegelian Marxists such as Gramsci argued that stability of the status quo comes not only from economic domination and state coercion but also from hegemony, ideology, and belief systems that make existing structures look natural and prevent new class consciousness.

“In response to Marx's presumed economic determinism (with technical and economic 'substructures' driving change in institutional and cultural 'superstructures'), Hegelian Marxists such as Gramsci (1932) argued that stability of the status quo not only comes from economic domination and state coercion, but also from 'hegemony', ideology and belief systems that make existing structures look 'natural”

• cites Gramsci, 1932Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The emerging new configuration provides new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

“The emerging new configuration then provides new opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

May combine two claims.

The MLP's embeddedness view does not deny the possibility of rational choice; rational choice can be a special case in stable rule structures that enable calculation.

“But the MLP's embeddedness view does not necessarily deny the possibility of 'rational choice'.Instead, rational choice can be a special case in the context of stable rule structures that enable calculation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Eclecticism can produce workable frameworks for particular purposes, but ad-hoc combinations risk producing inconsistent frameworks and remaining fuzzy about dynamic relationships between very different dimensions.

“The third position, eclecticism, can produce workable frameworks for particular purposes (like good engineers can sometimes combine technical elements without caring too much about the underlying scientific foundations).The risk, however, is that ad-hoc combinations produce inconsistent frameworks and remain fuzzy about dynamic relationships between very different dimensions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Strategic reorientation of incumbent firms is unlikely until existing regimes begin to destabilize.

“But such strategic reorientation is unlikely until existing regimes begin to destabilize.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Levinthal (1992) suggests that development of new knowledge and competences usually precedes changes in strategy and mission, providing internal resources for reorientation.

“Levinthal (1992) suggests that the development of new knowledge and competences usually precedes such changes in strategy and mission, because this provides the internal resources for reorientation.”

• cites Levinthal (1992) sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Although the multi-dimensionality of niche-regime-landscape interactions is a strength of the MLP, it is conceptualized in a general and heuristic sense, so the MLP could benefit from conceptual extensions of multi-level interaction on various dimensions.

“Although the multi-dimensionality of niche-regime-landscape interactions is a strength of the MLP, this is conceptualized in a general and heuristic sense.The MLP could therefore benefit from conceptual extensions of multi-level interaction on various dimensions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Theory as narrative explains social processes as sequences of events enacted by social groups, with emphasis on intentions, motivations, hermeneutics, Verstehen, analytical generalization, and dynamic patterns.

“(b) 'theory as narrative', which explains social processes as sequences of events that are enacted by social groups; the methodological emphasis is on intentions and motivations (hermeneutics, Verstehen), analytical generalization, and dynamic patterns”

May combine two claims.

Although rational choice has limited relevance for understanding transitions, the MLP could accommodate it at the regime level during stable periods and for diffusion phases, but since evolutionary economics can explain both aspects, the MLP does not really need rational choice, and rational choice offers few insights into niche-regime interactions.

“Although rational choice has limited relevance for understanding transitions (eras of ferment), the MLP could accommodate rational choice at the regime level during stable periods.Rational choice may also offer insights for the diffusion phases of new technologies: once dominant designs and new institutions have stabilized, policy makers and firms are better able to make costbenefit calculations”

May combine two claims.

The fourth position, inter-ontology crossovers, focuses on interactions between ontologies, recognizes differences but works on dynamic interplay rather than overarching synthesis, and is particularly fruitful for multi-dimensional phenomena such as socio-technical transitions.

“The fourth position, inter-ontology crossovers, focuses on interactions between ontologies (Gioia and Pitre, 1990;Lewis and Grimes, 1999).Crossover approaches recognize differences between ontologies, but work on dynamic interplay rather than overarching synthesis.Ontologies are not perceived as pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, but also not accepted as fully incommensurable.Instead, this position is”

• cites Gioia and Pitre, 1990 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Lewis and Grimes, 1999Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The MLP does not make crossovers to functionalism.

“I therefore argue that the MLP does not make crossovers to functionalism.”

May combine two claims.

The MLP is not a functionalist framework because it does not assume all actors work towards shared system goals, has no teleology, and no bias towards stability; coordinating regime rules are semi-coherent, allowing tensions and conflicts.

“But the MLP is not a functionalist framework because it does not assume that all actors work towards shared system goals, has no teleology, and no bias towards stability.Coordinating regime rules are described as semi-coherent, which allows for possible tensions and conflicts.”

May combine two claims.

Rational choice may hold for periods of incremental change when socio-institutional structures form stable backgrounds, but faces problems for periods of ferment when flux, uncertainty and fluidity complicate cost-benefit calculations.

“Using the punctuated equilibrium framework, we can say that rational choice may hold for periods of incremental change when socio-institutional structures form stable backgrounds that allow rational calculation (Fig. 3).But it faces problems for periods of ferment, when background structures are opened up and social, political and organizational processes gain prominence.The accompanying flux,”

May combine two claims.

Full integration into an encompassing theory is difficult because some ontologies focus on individual actors while others focus on larger wholes and collectives, and some focus on objective reality and material interests while others see reality as inter-subjectively created.

“The first position, full integration into an encompassing theory, is difficult, because some ontologies focus on individual actors, others on larger wholes and collectives; some focus on 'objective' reality and material interests, while others see reality as inter-subjectively created.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The MLP already makes ad-hoc crossovers to structuralism, incorporating macro-cultural changes at the landscape level.

“The MLP already makes ad-hoc crossovers to structuralism, incorporating macro-cultural changes at the landscape level.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The incommensurability position assumes that interaction between ontologies is impossible, privileges normal science, hinders theoretical innovation through new combinations, and tends towards reductionism and constant-cause explanations, which are problematic for heterogeneous topics such as socio-technical transitions.

“The second position, incommensurability, assumes that interaction between ontologies is impossible.It thus privileges 'normal science' that stays within existing paradigms and hinders theoretical innovations through 'new combinations' between ontologies.It also tends towards reductionism (emphasising single causes) and constant-cause explanations (assuming that one causal mechanism operates contin”

May combine two claims.

In the MLP, the landscape level refers to deep structural dimension of culture, while actors at regime and niche levels engage in cultural actions, developing discourses that draw on deep cultural categories and frame issues to confer legitimacy.

“While the MLP's landscape level refers to the deep structural dimension of culture, actors at regime and niche levels engage in cultural actions, developing discourses that draw on deep cultural categories and frame issues in such a way as to confer legitimacy to their actions and/or technologies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Social movements start as outsiders, tend to use non-institutionalized action to exert pressure; early SMT scholars highlighted resource mobilization; other scholars demonstrated influence related to political opportunity structures; cultural framing defines cognitive space; social movements can contest dominant ideology and create legitimacy pressures; technology-oriented scholars drew attention

“Because social movements start as outsiders to existing orders, they tend to use non-institutionalized action (protest marches, blockades, strikes, petitions) to exert pressure for change.Early SMT scholars highlighted the mobilization of resources (members, money, expertise) as the main mechanism for increasing the pressure (McCarthy and Zald, 1977).To complement this 'internal push' mechanism,”

• cites McCarthy and Zald, 1977 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Kitschelt, 1986 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Eyerman and Jamison, 1991Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Attempts at integration (e.g., Bourdieu, Alexander) have been criticised for abstract theorising about philosophical principles rather than sociological mechanisms, for coining new words that restate foundational tensions without solving them, and for a general dissociation from empirical research.

“Attempts at integration (e.g.Bourdieu, Alexander) have been criticised for abstract theorising about philosophical principles rather than sociological mechanisms, for coining new words that restate foundational tensions without solving them, and for a general dissociation from empirical research (Burger, 1986;Van den Berg, 1998).”

• cites Burger, 1986 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Van den Berg, 1998Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Complex systems theory constitutes an alternative way of investigating transitions, with similarities and differences to the MLP.

“I therefore suggest that complex systems theory constitutes an alternative way of investigating transitions, with intriguing similarities but also differences to the MLP (see Sections 2.5.2 and 2.5.3).”

May combine two claims.

In the MLP, actors are knowledgeable agents who interpret and apply rules creatively within constraints, and retention is an interpretive, negotiated and contested process of institutionalization.

“Actors are not cultural dopes who passively follow rules.Instead, they are knowledgeable agents (Giddens, 1984), who interpret and apply rules creatively (although within constraints).Retention is not only a process of 'retaining what works' (as in behavioural theory), but also an interpretive, negotiated and contested process of institutionalization.”

• cites Giddens, 1984Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The MLP accommodates both behavioural learning and cognitive learning, and between levels there is an evolutionary logic with niche-innovations providing variety that interacts with selection environments, while creation of fit is also an enacted and multidimensional process.

“This accommodates both behavioural learning ('trial-and-error' dynamics from evolution theory) and cognitive learning (sense-making from interpretivism).Between the levels there is an evolutionary logic, with heterogeneous niche-innovations providing (radical) variety that interacts with broader selection environments (at regime and landscape levels).But the creation of fit between variations and”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Discourse analysts added interactive dimensions by addressing collective sensemaking; interpretations sediment into discourses, which contain deep structural elements framed by actors; discursive framing is contested, and discursive struggles influence cultural legitimacy, public support, political protection or financial resources.

“Discourse analysts added interactive dimensions by addressing collective sensemaking around specific issues.Because collective sense-making is an ongoing process, the interpretations sediment into particular discourses, i.e. ways of talking and thinking about issues (Hajer, 1995).Discourses contain deep structural elements that are framed by actors in particular ways.This discursive framing is a”

• cites Hajer, 1995Not checked yet

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• cites Suchman, 1995 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Lounsbury and Glynn, 2001Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Regime actors develop discourses that maintain or restore legitimacy when faced with problems or criticisms; social movements and niche actors try to delegitimate the regime by framing industry practices as insufficient, outdated, irresponsible, or unacceptable; niche actors engage in cultural framing to enhance legitimacy of niche-innovations, which initially suffer from liability of newness and低

“Regime actors develop discourses that maintain or restore legitimacy when they are faced with problems or criticisms (television debates, advertisements).Social movements and niche actors try to delegimate the regime by framing industry practices or responses to problems as 'insufficient', 'outdated', 'irresponsible', or 'unacceptable' (Oliver, 1992).Niche actors also engage in cultural framing”

• cites Oliver, 1992 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Freeman et al., 1983 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Theory as enlightenment aims to clear away conventional notions, uncover hidden structures, or introduce unconventional, creative, and surprising frameworks.

“(c) 'theory as enlightenment', which aims to clear away conventional notions, uncover hidden structures, or introduce unconventional, creative and surprising frameworks.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Incumbent firms in the car, electricity, and food industries possess many complementary assets relevant for the upscaling and commercialization of green niche-innovations.

“The reason is that incumbent firms in the car, electricity, and food industries posses many complementary assets (see Section 2.1) that are relevant for the upscaling and commercialization of green niche-innovations.”

May combine two claims.

Work on dynamic capabilities and ambidextrous organizations shows that incumbent firms can overcome lock-in mechanisms and that deliberate changes in firm strategy are crucial for reorientation.

“This work not only shows that incumbent firms can overcome the lock-in mechanisms that tie them to existing technological regimes, but also suggest that deliberate changes in firm strategy are crucial for reorientation.”

• cites Teece et al., 1997 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Tushman and O'Reilly, 1996Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The crossover between evolution theory and interpretivism is facilitated by similarities in ontological assumptions: both assume creative and heterogeneous actors, acknowledge embeddedness in regimes, focus on process over time, and can explain incremental and radical change.

“This crossover is facilitated by similarities in ontological assumptions.Most importantly, both ontologies assume creative and heterogeneous actors, but also acknowledge the embedded-ness of actors in regimes.Furthermore, both have an intrinsic focus on process and development over time, and can explain both incremental and radical change (Table 2).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The previously discussed ontologies refer to foundational positions and assumptions about the properties of causal agents and causal mechanisms in the social world.

“The previously discussed ontologies refer to foundational positions and assumptions about the properties of causal agents and causal mechanisms in the social world.”

May combine two claims.

In the MLP, variation is guided by expectations, visions and beliefs; selection occurs in a multi-dimensional selection environment; retention occurs in technological regimes conceptualized as rules rather than routines.

“Variation is seen as guided by expectations (Van Lente, 1993), visions and beliefs that provide cognitive substance to search and innovation processes by intentional actors.Selection occurs in a multi-dimensional selection environment, which incorporates not only markets and regulations, but also social, cultural, and political requirements.Retention occurs in technological regimes, which are”

• cites Van Lente, 1993Not checked yet

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• cites Rip and Kemp, 1998Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Crossovers to structuralism may enrich the MLP with cultural mechanisms that enable scholars to analyze how discursive struggles between niche and regime actors, in the context of changing landscape repertoires, influence the speed and direction of socio-technical transitions.

“These kinds of crossovers to structuralism may enrich the MLP with cultural mechanisms that enable scholars to analyze how discursive struggles between niche and regime actors, in the context of changing (landscape) repertoires, influence the speed and direction of socio-technical transitions (Geels and Verhees, 2008).”

• cites Geels and Verhees, 2008Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Discursive action and legitimacy form mechanisms that link cultural dimensions to politics and economics, and these crossover mechanisms provide interesting extensions of the MLP.

“Discursive action and legitimacy thus form mechanisms that link cultural dimensions to politics and economics.These crossover mechanisms also provide interesting extensions of the MLP (Geels and Verhees, 2008).”

• cites Geels and Verhees, 2008Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The interpretive turn in cultural studies argues that meaning arises from interpretation, mobilization and ordering of cultural symbols and cognitive categories; cultural deep structures become toolkits or repertoires actors use to make sense.

“The 'interpretive turn' in cultural studies argues that meaning arises from interpretation, a process in which actors actively draw upon cultural deep structures.Meaning arises from the mobilization and ordering of cultural symbols and cognitive categories.Cultural deep structures thus become 'toolkits' or 'repertoires' that actors use to make sense (Swidler, 1986).”

• cites Swidler, 1986 sourceNot checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The MLP's crossovers to conflict ontology are mostly ad-hoc; because the MLP does not provide detailed explanations of sources and changes of power, it could benefit from richer, multi-faceted views of power and conflict.

“But this is mostly done in an adhoc way.Because the MLP does not provide detailed explanations of the sources and changes of power, it could benefit from richer, multi-faceted views of power and conflict (Smith et al., 2005).”

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