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Forever stuck in old ways? Pluralising incumbencies in sustainability transitions

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 09:14
Version 1 2023-06-09, 19:42
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 09:14 authored by Bruno Turnheim, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool
Inthis Viewpoint, we arguethat transitions research needsto engage more ?rmly withthe role of incumbents and various forms of incumbencies. We identify shortcomings of existing research, notably a tendency to portray incumbents as ‘villains’ wedded to resisting, slowing down or preventing transition e?orts. With that in mind, the Viewpoint brie?y summarises shortcomings within existing research and proposes four steps for pluralising the discussion. We call attention to more emphasis on 1) a multiplicity of incumbent actor types, 2) a variety of actor strategies within (and across) organisational populations, 3) the transient nature of strategic positioning (over time), and 4) the varied resources that incumbents may deploy to support transformative change.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

ISSN

2210-4224

Publisher

Elsevier

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-11-20

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-01-24

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-11-19

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