de_Geus_2023_Making_sense_power.pdf (1.13 MB)
Making sense of power through transdisciplinary sustainability research: insights from a Transformative Power Lab
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 06:27 authored by Tessa de Geus, Flor Avelino, Marta Struminska-Kutra, Magdalena Pitzer, Julia M Wittmayer, Lara Hendrikx, Vaishali Joshi, Naomi Schrandt, Linda Widdel, Maria Fraaije, Marfuga IskandarovaMarfuga Iskandarova, Sabine Hielscher, Karoline RoggeKaroline RoggeIf transdisciplinary sustainability research is to contribute to sustainability transitions, issues of power dynamics need to be understood and accounted for. However, examples of concrete methods that put this into practice are sparse. This paper presents a conceptual and methodological framework that develops a better understanding of the power phenomenon, while providing actionable knowledge. By focussing on the context of social innovation in energy transitions, we demonstrate how different theoretical conceptualisations of power can be translated into a collaborative, transdisciplinary research design. In a facilitated process, researchers, policy workers and practitioners from diverse social innovation fields developed and tested the Transformative Power Lab approach and co-wrote a ‘Power Guide’ as a strategic exploration of power dynamics in sustainability transitions, specifically regarding social innovation in energy transitions. Based on the insights that emerged during this process, we discuss how transdisciplinary and action-oriented approaches in sustainability transition studies might benefit from this approach and, potentially, develop it further.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Sustainability ScienceISSN
1862-4065Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLCExternal DOI
Page range
1-17Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2023-03-10First Open Access (FOA) Date
2023-03-10First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2023-03-09Usage metrics
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