From Strategy to Action: Actors shaping Sustainability Transitions

ABSTRACT

In an era where sustainability transitions have become imperative, this thesis presents a nuanced exploration of the governance mechanisms that steer these changes. At its core, the thesis presents a policy centric view of sustainability transitions, unravelling the dynamics of different actors, strategies, instruments, and their roles in fostering sustainable transitions. It discusses policy strategy, instruments, and implementation and actors.

The first article focuses on the integration of the circular economy within India's regional Electric Vehicle (EV) policies. It critically examines how these policies, designed for the transition to electric mobility, align—or fail to align—with the local contexts of less industrialised states. It reveal the inherent challenges in embedding circular economy principles such as recycling and retrofitting into these policies. This exploration not only highlights the cautious nature of regional policymaking but also the need of coordination at the regional level policymaking. It further underscores the necessity for a reimagined strategy that embraces circularity, thereby accelerating the transition towards sustainable mobility.

In the second article, the lens shifts to the realm of energy efficiency, focusing on the power of information campaigns in catalysing policy and behavioural shifts. By dissecting Austria’s ban on incandescent lamps, the study illuminates the pivotal role of end-users in the success of energy efficiency policies. It advocates for a transformative approach to information dissemination, one that transcends mere product awareness to embrace comprehensive feedback mechanisms and multi-level engagement. This approach aims to seed sustainable behavioural changes, fostering a society more engaged and responsive to energy-efficient practices.

The third article traverses the domain of policy implementation, spotlighting the role of street-level policy entrepreneurs in India's LED lighting transition. Here, the narrative intertwines the theoretical frameworks of public policy and the multilevel perspective (MLP) to decipher the diffusion of LED technology, especially under cost constraints. By analysing the UJALA programme and the actions of the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, the article vividly portrays how policy entrepreneurs navigate and leverage opportunities, overcoming challenges like affordability to achieve widespread technology adoption.

The concluding synthesis of these articles presents a cohesive narrative on the complexities of sustainability transitions. It underscores the necessity of enhanced coordination among diverse institutions and the pivotal role of capacity development in steering these transitions. The thesis moves beyond theoretical discourse, offering practical insights and recommendations for fostering more effective, inclusive, and impactful societal changes in the realm of sustainable governance.