Deep Transitions foundational thinking

Deep Transitions are profound societal transformations, driven by interconnected system changes.

These slides take you through the basics of Deep Transitions theory, as an academic framework for understanding and investing in system change. They introduce:

• characteristics of the First Deep Transition, which started with the Industrial Revolution;
• the notion of socio-technical systems, which provide for basic needs, such as energy, mobility, and food;
• how systems evolved through surges of development;
• the concept of industrial modernity: a set of ideas, institutions and practices characterising industrial society; and
• the Multi-Level Perspective theory of how change happens in socio-technical systems.

The authors argue that to achieve a more just and sustainable future, a Second Deep Transition is required, which moves beyond optimisation of the existing system. This can happen through the emergence of niches — alternative practices that challenge and ultimately replace dominant systems.

Finally, the slides set out how the Deep Transitions Lab is working towards implementation of a Transformative Investment philosophy that prioritises long-term investments in these niches and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders to facilitate systemic change.