In this paper we have attempted to unpack and integrate the very large and unruly notions
of sustainability and governance to make a case for transition management as the
framework of analysis to devise pathways to a more sustainable future. In making this
case, we underlined the centrality of system innovation as a policy approach. We further
drew attention to the necessity of a multi-dimensional perspective on institutions through
which governance is exercised.
Governance for sustainability presents an enormous but unavoidable challenge.
Continued unsustainability is not a viable option. For progress towards sustainability, we
need to establish governance structures and practices that can foster, guide and
coordinate positive work by a host of actors on a vast complex of issues, through webs of
interconnection and across multiple levels and scales, with sensitivity to their contexts
and respect for uncertainties. Such a conception has considerable advantages.
It encompasses the multiple and diverse strengths, motives and capabilities, not just of
conventional government agencies and business interests, but of the full set of public,
private and civil society players, collective and individual, plus their myriad
interrelations. The challenge is to achieve sufficient integration of understanding,
direction and action to achieve the desired transition.
We cannot assume the automatic wisdom of the market, or any other blind
mechanism. Nor can we conjure up the commitment and omniscience required for
comprehensively capable central authority. In the establishment of effective governance
for sustainability, we must incorporate and also reach beyond the powers of commerce
and command – a task best accomplished through understanding, guidance and process.
No broad transition can be accomplished quickly or easily, and the human record in
consciously designed and directed transitions is not good. If the transition to
sustainability is to be successful, it must be pursued with as much humility as
commitment, as much diversity as direction, and as much creative experimentation as
resolute protection. Necessarily, much will depend on the credibility of the decision
makers and the decision-making process. In governance for sustainability, a host of quite
different players must be involved. They are unlikely to work together easily, which is
why there should be a commitment to transitions and why government, as a democratic
authoritative power is important (even when government is part of the problem).
There is no single best form of governance for sustainability. The details must vary,
respecting the specifics of context from case to case. Nevertheless, the deliberations on
governance for sustainability so far, do point to a basic foundational outline and strategy,
and there is reason to believe that we can clarify and specify much more without
compromising respect for particular circumstances. The quest for sustainability may be
the quest for an elusive ‘Holy Grail’ of integrated understanding and action that is not
fully possible, and will never be found in a single pure form. But a good deal can be
done. Progress is possible.
In this paper we have attempted to unpack and integrate the very large and unruly notionsof sustainability and governance to make a case for transition management as theframework of analysis to devise pathways to a more sustainable future. In making thiscase, we underlined the centrality of system innovation as a policy approach. We furtherdrew attention to the necessity of a multi-dimensional perspective on institutions throughwhich governance is exercised.Governance for sustainability presents an enormous but unavoidable challenge.Continued unsustainability is not a viable option. For progress towards sustainability, weneed to establish governance structures and practices that can foster, guide andcoordinate positive work by a host of actors on a vast complex of issues, through webs ofinterconnection and across multiple levels and scales, with sensitivity to their contextsand respect for uncertainties. Such a conception has considerable advantages.It encompasses the multiple and diverse strengths, motives and capabilities, not just ofconventional government agencies and business interests, but of the full set of public,private and civil society players, collective and individual, plus their myriadinterrelations. The challenge is to achieve sufficient integration of understanding,direction and action to achieve the desired transition.We cannot assume the automatic wisdom of the market, or any other blindmechanism. Nor can we conjure up the commitment and omniscience required forcomprehensively capable central authority. In the establishment of effective governancefor sustainability, we must incorporate and also reach beyond the powers of commerceand command – a task best accomplished through understanding, guidance and process.No broad transition can be accomplished quickly or easily, and the human record inconsciously designed and directed transitions is not good. If the transition tosustainability is to be successful, it must be pursued with as much humility ascommitment, as much diversity as direction, and as much creative experimentation asresolute protection. Necessarily, much will depend on the credibility of the decisionmakers and the decision-making process. In governance for sustainability, a host of quitedifferent players must be involved. They are unlikely to work together easily, which iswhy there should be a commitment to transitions and why government, as a democraticauthoritative power is important (even when government is part of the problem).There is no single best form of governance for sustainability. The details must vary,respecting the specifics of context from case to case. Nevertheless, the deliberations ongovernance for sustainability so far, do point to a basic foundational outline and strategy,and there is reason to believe that we can clarify and specify much more withoutcompromising respect for particular circumstances. The quest for sustainability may bethe quest for an elusive ‘Holy Grail’ of integrated understanding and action that is notfully possible, and will never be found in a single pure form. But a good deal can bedone. Progress is possible.
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