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Material dependencies: hidden underpinnings of sustainability transitions

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  • Van Assche, Kristof
  • Duineveld, Martijn
  • Beunen, Raoul
  • Valentinov, Vladislav
  • Gruezmacher, Monica

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for analysing the different ways in which materiality impacts environmental policy and governance. It draws on notions from the wider literature on materiality and integrates relevant insights into a theory on policy and governance. Building on a key distinction between the material and the discursive dimensions of governance, it develops the concepts of material events and material dependencies. Material events bring attention to the linkages between material changes and their observation and interpretation in governance. The concept of material dependencies is useful for analysing the different ways in which materiality structures the evolution of governance systems. The paper ends with some methodological considerations for mapping and analysing material dependencies and suggestions for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Van Assche, Kristof & Duineveld, Martijn & Beunen, Raoul & Valentinov, Vladislav & Gruezmacher, Monica, 2022. "Material dependencies: hidden underpinnings of sustainability transitions," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 24(3), pages 281-296.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:256893
    DOI: 10.1080/1523908X.2022.2049715
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raghu Garud & Arun Kumaraswamy & Peter Karnøe, 2010. "Path Dependence or Path Creation?," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 760-774, June.
    2. Colin McFarlane, 2011. "Assemblage and critical urbanism," City, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(2), pages 204-224, April.
    3. Lisa Björkman & Andrew Harris, 2018. "Engineering Cities: Mediating Materialities, Infrastructural Imaginaries and Shifting Regimes of Urban Expertise," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(2), pages 244-262, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Raoul Beunen & Kristof Van Assche & Monica Gruezmacher, 2022. "Evolutionary Perspectives on Environmental Governance: Strategy and the Co-Construction of Governance, Community, and Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-18, August.
    2. Ali Adil, 2024. "Differentiated grassroots: Navigating sustainability transitions in conservative political contexts," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(8), pages 1508-1525, June.
    3. Ayrapetyan, David & Befort, Nicolas & Hermans, Frans, 2025. "From local markets to global legitimacy: A materialization perspective on technological innovation system's dynamics," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 54(1).
    4. Wilde, Kerstin & Hermans, Frans, 2024. "Transition towards a bioeconomy: Comparison of conditions and institutional work in selected industries," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 50, pages 1-1.

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