Putting sustainability transitions “on the ground”. Three arguments for a stronger integration of spatial planning and sustainability transitions scholarship

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that one reason for the insufficient materialisation of sustainability objectives is a manifest gap between the prescriptive system knowledge of transition studies and the variegated local lifeworlds where transformations ultimately happen. Spatial planning offers valuable expertise to operationalise this system knowledge and move from abstract calls for one great transformation to concrete local transformations. We begin by reviewing debates that have already alluded to a polymorphism in sustainability transitions. Then we look at the discourse on planning for sustainability transitions, noting how it is nourished by transition knowledge, while adding significant perspectives on spatiality, implementation and politics. Subsequently, we point to three spatial planning literacies that can add value to sustainability transitions research and the implementation of transitions on the ground: (1) A nuanced view on space that adds a material, functional, legal and cultural dimension to the scalar and institutional geographies of transitions, (2) an understanding of local (state) instruments, formal procedures, property and law, planning systems and cultures, and (3) future literacy through scenario-thinking, co-creation and experimentation as modes of democratic, sustainable future-making. We hence invite planning scholars to use their specific spatial, instrumental and future literacy to become more involved in sustainability transition debates to aid the local operationalisation of transition knowledge.