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Section 3: Developing a vision for change

The TIP approach employs a vision of how change happens based on the study of historical processes, evolutionary and institutional theories of change. This is driven by insight into the unevenness of social and technical change, which leads to change coming in surges; the importance of rules; and the centrality of niches (protective spaces for different practices) as carriers of new rules.

The Multi-Level Perspective as a framework for understanding system change

Applying a TIP vision to the existential challenges of today leads to the proposition that by cultivating new or strengthening existing niches, it is possible to catalyse fundamental change in society. These resources help us bring substance to this vision and identify spaces for experimentation.

They also seek to differentiate between systems ‘optimisation’, which improves the efficiency or performance of an existing system, and systems ‘change’, which transforms the underlying rules, relationships and goals.

Tool: Multi-level theory of change

This tool was created for the Resource Lab to help us develop a transformative theory of how change happens within a socio-technical system, drawing on the Multi-Level Perspective. It complements the Pentagonal map for system analysis, which characterises the incumbent system regime driven by actors, materials and rules. The Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) proposes that change … from Tool: Multi-level theory of change

Example: Exploring change in the science system

To support learning and familiarity with the tool, this pdf was shared by a member of the network of coaches for the Lab. It provides an example of how the multi-level theory of change tool can be used to explore change in the system for normal science, illustrating potential regime characteristics, landscape pressures and emerging … from Example: Exploring change in the science system

Tool: Systems optimisation vs change

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

Masterclass: Co-creating transformative niches

TIP Africa Hub masterclass extract, which goes deeper into the role of niches in a multi-level theory of change. The presentation examines how niches can be nurtured and protected, learning, and the importance of navigating visions and expectations.   … from Masterclass: Co-creating transformative niches

MOTION handbook extract: What is transformative system change?

Extract from Section 1 of the MOTION handbook, introducing the notion of transformative system change and the Multi-Level Perspective as a framework to understand it.   … from MOTION handbook extract: What is transformative system change?

Tool: Systemic perspective on a change initiative

The reflective tool helps us to develop and describe a perspective of the problem that we seek to address with our experimental initiative at three different levels: the global context of the problem (landscape); the broad and stable networks, strongly aligned around the activities of their actors (sociotechnical regime); and the alternatives that have arisen … from Tool: Systemic perspective on a change initiative

Draft support concept guide for making transformative innovation policies

This policy document is a methodological guide designed to help policymakers, innovation practitioners, and facilitators design, structure, and implement Transformative Innovation Policies within place-based and challenge-oriented strategies, such as the RIS3CAT 2030 smart specialisation strategy of Catalonia. It provides conceptual frameworks, tools, principles, and examples to support systemic thinking about innovation aimed at structural change … from Draft support concept guide for making transformative innovation policies

Metodología de TIPC y teoría del cambio (versión en español)

Presentación para el Hub de América Latina de TIPC, realizada como parte de la agenda de trabajo para la construcción de una Política de Innovación Transformativa en la región. Las diapositivas introducen los enfoques de transiciones y de TIP, desde una teoría del cambio general hasta una específica, basándose en ejemplos de la región. … from Metodología de TIPC y teoría del cambio (versión en español)

X-CURVE booklet. A sensemaking tool to foster collective narratives on system change

The X-Curve is a powerful tool for: Understanding systems: make transition dynamics understandable as a visual process with the two basic patterns of build-up and breakdown, their underlying dynamics and their potential interactions. Awareness and priority setting: introduce systemic change into broader societal processes. Develop and communicate a shared vision with selected sector partners and … from X-CURVE booklet. A sensemaking tool to foster collective narratives on system change

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