John Grin is professor in policy sciences at the Department of Political Science of the University of Amsterdam. He is scientific director of the Amsterdam School of Social Science Research (ASSR), in which some 160 political scientists, sociologists and anthropologists cooperate in an interdisciplinary research programme.

List of Figures. List of Tables. List of Textboxes. Foreword by Carlota Perez. Preface. Introduction: From Persistent Problems to System Innovations and Transitions Part 1: The Dynamics of Transitions: A Socio-Technical Perspective 1.1: Introduction: Exploration of the Research Topic 1.2: A Multi-Level Perspective on Transitions 1.3: Theoretical Backgrounds: Crossovers STS, Evolutionary Economics, and Sociology 1.4: A Typology of Transition Pathways 1.5: Managing Sustainable Innovation Journeys 1.6: Reflections: Process Theory, Causality and Narrative Explanation Part 2: Towards a Better Understanding of Transitions and Their Governance: A Systemic and Reflexive Approach 2.1: Introduction 2.2: A Complex Integrated Systems Perspective 2.3: Conceptual Framework for Analyzing Transitions 2.4: Research into the Governance of Transitions: A Framework for Transition Management 2.5: Case Study I: Parkstad Limburg: Regional Transition Management 2.6: Case Study II: The Dutch Energy Transition 2.7: Self-Evaluation of the Development and Prospects of Transition Management Part 3: Understanding Transitions from a Governance Perspective 3.1: Introduction 3.2: Contemporary Processes of Institutional Change 3.3: Modernization Processes in Dutch Agriculture, 1886 to the Present 3.4: The Governance of Transitions: An Agency Perspective 3.5: Modernization as Multilevel Dynamics: Lessons from Dutch Agriculture 3.6: Governance of Transitions: An Analytical Perspective. Conclusion: How to Understand Transitions? How to Influence Them?: Synthesis and Lessons for Further Research. Notes. References. Index.

There has been a growing concern about the social and environmental risks which have come along with the progress achieved through a variety of mutually intertwined modernization processes. This book addresses how to understand the dynamics and governance of long term transformative change towards sustainable development.