Abstract
Sustainability transitions research lacks a crucial perspective: the spatial dimension. The interrelations between space and sustainability transition processes are thus underexposed. The spatial dimension is, of course, implicitly addressed in transition research but it often remains unclear which spatial concept is used and how the spatial conditions are embedded in the transition processes. This paper approaches the problem in two steps: (1) analysing the various understandings of transitions research and their implications for different spatial concepts relating to spatial sustainability transition; and (2) focusing on different spatial concepts (from a positivist mode to relational and socio-cultural approaches) and their reflections in different disciplines of social, natural and technical sciences as well as in practice. By identifying the links between sustainable transition approaches on the one hand and spatial conceptualizations on the other hand, this paper aims at deepening both the spatial perspective and the understanding of sustainable transition research. The results of this paper are three conceptual perspectives wherein space or spatial conceptualizations can provide added value for sustainability transition research in inter- and transdisciplinary modes. These three perspectives include (1) space as a “bridging concept,” (2) space as a “normative concept,” and (3) space as an “approach to action.”
Highlights
In our understanding, sustainability transitions are, per se, related to space and take place within specific and given geographical contexts [1] (p. 2)
The ongoing debate about sustainability transitions and its pathways toward an implementation of sustainable living conditions lacks space as a crucial perspective asking how specific places have to facilitate, prepare, promote or implement a more sustainable future. This theoretical and empirical gap increases factual challenges on the local and regional level, but, in our understanding, inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability sciences will unavoidably be confronted with different conceptualizations of space
Relational approaches to space—which are necessarily more than an addition of container and pure social spatial concepts—seem promising to focus on the interrelations between space as a structure and space as a social process
Summary
Sustainability transitions are, per se, related to space and take place within specific and given geographical contexts [1] (p. 2). Transition research often uses implicit spatial concepts or approaches This becomes obvious, for example, with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, etc. Using space as a problem-oriented concept that encompasses both physical structures and social, cultural and institutional changes, we will offer conceptual perspectives for a broader understanding of sustainability transitions To do so, this theoretically oriented paper is based on extensive literature research, including two electronic databases: Web of Knowledge and Scopus. These three perspectives include (1) space as a “bridging concept,” (2) space as a “normative concept,” and (3) space as an “approach to action.”. These three perspectives include (1) space as a “bridging concept,” (2) space as a “normative concept,” and (3) space as an “approach to action.” This is followed by a critical discussion on the benefits and limits of an explicit space-based approach within transition research (Section 4)
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