Phil Johnstone

This paper addresses a major gap in sustainability transitions research: the role of shocks in shaping transition dynamics. The papers focuses on shocks with traumatic consequences, in particular World War I and II. The paper revisits discussions on the sociotechnical landscape in the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) and Deep Transition framework, offering refined versions of the … from The changing landscape of deep transitions: Sociotechnical imprinting and chemical warfare

This tool is all about mapping where new ways of doing things are emerging and how we can practically challenge our unsustainable systems. You’ll be introduced to the DT concept of niches and work in a group to map and grow niches so they are capable of disrupting our current systems. You’ll learn theory and … from Tool: Mapping where change is emerging

With this interactive Miro tool, you will become familiar with segments of the DT theory. You will experiment with the future worlds, niche building and interventions. These are all critical elements to building resilient pathways. You will think about what alternatives there are to our unsustainable practices and what actions you can take to move … from Tool: Moving towards sustainable futures

This interactive Miro board tool will help you understand how change happens in a system, help you identify what you want to change and what direction to go in to nourish that change.   … from Tool: how to change a system

Sustainability transitions research recognises that transforming energy, mobility, food, and other systems requires going beyond incremental, surface-level fixes to address the deeper drivers of system change. Yet these deeper drivers have not been systematically identified.In this paper, the authors argue that the Deep Transitions (DT) concept of rules provides a useful starting point. Rules are … from Identifying the deep drivers of system change: A rule-based approach to socio-technical system mapping

There is an expected acceleration of some mining activities to supply the materials underpinning renewable and digital transitions. In this context, the question of what a sustainable mining system might look like is increasingly discussed. We outline a rules-based perspective from the Deep Transitions Lab focused on assessing socio-technical system change in mining. Based on … from Towards system change in mining? Rule maps for discussing sustainable futures

Digital technologies are increasingly framed as important tools to address grand challenges such as climate change. While there is an increasing body of research on the role of digitalisation in unfolding sustainability transitions, it has been recognised that there is a lack of longer-term historical analysis of the evolution of digitalisation in the transitions field. … from Deep transitions and the evolution of the digital meta-regime

Seeds of the futures: creating pathways to a better world is a game created from DT theory where teams step into the role of world-builders to create long-term pathways toward sustainable and just futures. The game is designed for policy makers, investors, researchers, system thinkers – anyone working at the frontier of sustainability and transitions … from Game – Seeds of the future: creating pathways to a better world

This guide for the facilitators of the game: Seeds of the future, creating pathways to a better world. Read through this guide first, and then you can either play with the physical board and cards or use the online game which can be found here: https://tipresourcelab.net/resource/game-seeds-of-the-future-creating-pathways-to-a-better-world/   … from Seeds of the future: Facilitator game guide

Baillie Gifford, an independent investment manager, introduced their Positive Change Fund team (aiming to deliver attractive long-term returns and a positive change by contributing towards a more sustainable future) to the Deep Transitions Lab. The group conducted an experiment together, which took place over two segments. The first focused on the PCF portfolio (exploring DT … from Baillie Gifford experiment case study

Systems optimisation can generate short-term positive effects. However, in the long run it may inhibit scaling, by preserving the unsustainable configuration of a dominant regime, and reinforcing the underlying rules. So how do we know if well-intended interventions are optimising or challenging a system? This is a simple tool to help you unpack your own … from Tool: Systems optimisation vs change