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Dynamism in policy-affiliated transition intermediaries

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  • Talmar, Madis
  • Walrave, Bob
  • Raven, Rob
  • Romme, A. Georges L.

Abstract

Transition intermediaries are actors that support socio-technical transition processes by bridging structural deficiencies in a transitioning domain. Previous research has identified what roles transition intermediaries perform and how. However, while transitioning domains are by definition in a state of change, the dynamics of transition intermediaries have hardly been studied. Therefore, we explore what mechanisms are driving change in transition-supportive roles of intermediaries, and what kind of conditions enable an intermediary to be dynamically adaptive in supporting a transitioning domain. These questions are addressed in a longitudinal case study of a major European intermediary in sustainable energy. We find this intermediary changed its transition support activities as a result of the frontline staff continually exploring the needs of transition stakeholders and designing new value offerings in response. These role dynamics are enabled by a structure where the policy principal delegates the choice of support activity and external accountability to the intermediary, which organizes itself in a customer-oriented manner. As such, we conclude that the dynamics in intermediaries’ transition activities arise from the interplay between policy mandate, organizational structure/design and staff agency.

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  • Talmar, Madis & Walrave, Bob & Raven, Rob & Romme, A. Georges L., 2022. "Dynamism in policy-affiliated transition intermediaries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:159:y:2022:i:c:s1364032122001332
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112210
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