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Computational and mathematical approaches to societal transitions

Author

Listed:
  • Jos Timmermans

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Hans Haan

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Flaminio Squazzoni

    (University of Brescia)

Abstract

After an introduction of the theoretical framework and concepts of transition studies, this article gives an overview of how structural change in social systems has been studied from various disciplinary perspectives. This overview first leads to the conclusion that computational and mathematical approaches and their practical form, modeling, up till now, have been almost absent in the research and theorizing of structural change or transitions in social systems. Second, this review of the social science literature suggests numerous theoretical constructs relevant for transition modeling. Relevant concepts include the conceptualization of the micro-to-macro link, the importance of explaining both stability and change, quantitative and qualitative definitions of structural change, the use of dichotomies, synchronic and diachronic reasoning in explaining structural change, definitions of basic patterns of social change, the conceptualization of resistance to change and intentional and normative aspects of social change. This article employs these theoretical concepts to describe and discuss the models presented in this special issue in order to develop an understanding of what exactly entails a computational or mathematical approach to societal transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jos Timmermans & Hans Haan & Flaminio Squazzoni, 2008. "Computational and mathematical approaches to societal transitions," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 391-414, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:comaot:v:14:y:2008:i:4:d:10.1007_s10588-008-9035-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10588-008-9035-1
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    2. Jan Kwakkel & Gönenç Yücel, 2014. "An Exploratory Analysis of the Dutch Electricity System in Transition," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 5(4), pages 670-685, December.
    3. Sujeetha Selvakkumaran & Erik O. Ahlgren, 2018. "Model-Based Exploration of Co-Creation Efforts: The Case of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) in Skåne, Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-23, October.
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    5. Porter, Nadia & Claassen, Maarten & Timmermans, Jos, 2015. "Transition experiments in Amsterdam: Conceptual and empirical analysis of two transition experiments in the WATERgraafsmeer program," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 90(PB), pages 525-537.

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