Shall we dance? How systemic intermediaries coordinate interaction within local sustainability initiatives over time

Abstract

Local sustainability transition projects are often coordinated by systemic intermediaries. In this context, previous research identified an extensive list of systemic intermediary roles and functions in the acceleration phase of these initiatives. However, little is known about the interplay between systemic intermediary activities and emerging collaboration patterns over time. This paper analyses the innovation journeys of six case studies to explore interaction dynamics and collaboration activities that emerge between systemic intermediaries, niche and regime actors over the course of time. Based on this, it develops a conceptual framework that visualizes design patterns that underlie a certain choreography of the systemic intermediaries and complements earlier research with in‐depth insights into temporal aspects of multiple‐actor mobilization and coordination processes in sustainability transition initiatives.