Towards an integral perspective on leveraging sustainability transformations using the theory of modal aspects

Abstract

Engaging appropriately with sustainability transformations requires adopting an integral perspective on related system dynamics. This view underpins the sustainable development goals. Informing policy and decision making from a consistently integral perspective, however, remains a key challenge. To some extent, the leverage points approach has proved useful in doing so in terms of providing an encompassing view on related options for intervening in systems. There are, however, a number of points in which it needs to be complemented by other approaches to better address the need for an integral perspective on sustainability transformations as well as to better address the need for being able to articulate normative perspectives on transformation processes and outcomes. We argue that the theory of modal aspects is a good candidate for doing so. To illustrate its potential, we explore its characteristics, we illustrate its application opportunities in the analysis of sustainability in food systems transitions, we systematically compare leverage points and modal aspects, and close with an exploration of ways in which the leverage points approach and theory of modal aspects can be considered complementary perspectives. The authors conclude that the theory of modal aspects offers opportunities for enriching both the leverage points approach and wider approaches in sustainability transformations by offering a consistently integral perspective across scale levels, and by offering a number of ways of engaging with normativity in related processes without resorting to fixed political views. This articulates its potential for playing a useful role in related multi-stakeholder processes and sustainability governance.

Leverage points for sustainability transformations: nine guiding questions for sustainability science and practice

“…For example Jiren et al, touch on the issue of how formal and informal institutions differently characterise a system and interventions. Wigboldus and Jochemsen (2020) explicitly engage with these normative elements of whose system, and where should it be changing to? They offer an approach (modal aspects) to explore these issues.…”

Transition pathways and transitions to sustainability : A critical exploration of perspectives, typologies and agendas

“…Developing systemic perspectives on strategic choices in transition pathways (adapted from Wigboldus and Jochemsen, 2020). The theory of modal aspects is particularly useful in identifying reductionist approaches in transition agendas and can be used to explore trade-offs between (anticipated) positive and negative outcomes of proposed transition pathways (Wigboldus and Jochemsen, 2020). A general tendency in terms of focus of transition pathways is an over-emphasis on the formative (technology options) and economic (efficiency) aspect.…”

“…The configuration of appropriately complementary pathways as part of a wider transition process will be needed to prevent reductionist approaches as discussed in relation to the theory of modal aspects. This requires an integral approach to transitions to sustainability (Wigboldus and Jochemsen, 2020) and not a mere juxtaposing of a series of "solutions" or silver-bullet pathways. We will discuss related complications and concerns in the next chapter.…”

Key capabilities for frugal innovation in developed economies: insights into the current transition towards sustainability

“…Frugal innovation remains until today without a “single definition” (Hossain 2020 , p. 1) or a “common understanding and conceptualization” (Von Janda et al 2020 , p. 2), although it may constitute an indispensable requirement for firms’ success in resource-scarce environments while also driving sustainable development (Albert 2019 ; Köhler et al 2019 ; Iqbal et al 2021 ; Winkler et al 2020 ; Ekins and Zenghelis 2021 ; Elf et al 2021 ; Hossain et al 2021 ; Pinkse and Bohnsack 2021 ; Saha et al 2021 ; Wigboldus and Jochemsen 2021 ). Thus, recent studies underline that frugal innovation is connected with the idea of “developing resource-scarce but quality solutions that are cheaper than the existing products” (Hossain 2020 , p. 1) and can be considered a first step option for a sustainable future (Van Mossel et al 2018 ; Köhler et al 2019 ; Ekins and Zenghelis 2021 ; Hossain et al 2021 ; Wigboldus and Jochemsen 2021 ). However, the concept of frugal innovation is not limited to the idea of costs reductions (Weyrauch and Herstatt 2017 ).…”