Transforming mobility: The Dutch smart mobility policy as an example of a transformative STI policy

Abstract

The recent orientation toward societal challenges in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies has exposed the limitations of contemporary governance to deal with these endeavors. For this reason, it has been urged a shift toward the so-called ‘transformative change’ approach, drawn from socio-technical transitions literature. This research suggests that this approach can be considered an emerging policy paradigm, and studies the implications of its adoption in STI policy. For doing so, we developed a conceptual framework based on policy sciences and STI policy literature, and used to study a policy resembling this societal challenge orientation: the Dutch smart mobility policy. Our case study suggests that the transformative change approach can be considered a new paradigm in STI policy, as novel theories, approaches, and mechanisms are being used to govern this policy. This research contributes to a better understanding of transformative approaches, by empirically looking the changing role of governance in societal challenge-led STI policies.

Smart mobility innovation policy as boundary work: identifying the challenges of user involvement

“…Partially, it is too early to assess this, as the transition might take decades. Nevertheless, there is still uncertainty about smart mobility's potential and possible directions of development and there is some disappointment on the lack of impact (Salas Gironés, van Est, & Verbong, 2019). Notes 1. https://issuu.com/connekt/docs/eindadvies-sbvv.…”

Unpacking the Smart Mobility Concept in the Dutch Context Based on a Text Mining Approach

“…In general, smart mobility seems to be about optimizations and maintaining the status quo rather than challenging it, although there are a few deviating and more critical voices. The smart mobility concept mobilizes actors and resources, but considering the ambiguities, these developments should be critically evaluated when proposed as solutions to transport issues and sustainability challenges.Sustainability 2019, 11, 6583 2 of 24 program promoting innovation and real-life experimentation [14,20], and a smart mobility test center in the southern region of the country [21]. While at first the concept was used by specific circles within the traffic management field, the concept is now making its way through Dutch society as it is being introduced to the wider public.…”

“…Sustainability 2019, 11, 6583 2 of 24 program promoting innovation and real-life experimentation [14,20], and a smart mobility test center in the southern region of the country [21]. While at first the concept was used by specific circles within the traffic management field, the concept is now making its way through Dutch society as it is being introduced to the wider public.…”