http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/16830/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20593/ 2010-09-10T00:00:00Z This thesis is a treatise on a theory for societal transitions: pillar theory. Societal transitions are complex processes taking place in complex systems, large-scale, long-term processes in which societal systems radically change the way they are composed and function. Since we all are part of societal systems, it speaks for itself that we ought to want to understand transitions. Nevertheless, although several aspects of transitions have been studied from various perspectives in various disciplines, the study of societal transitions as such is a relatively recent development. Consequently, the knowledge on transitions is scattered over disciplines and rather fragmented. Understanding requires theory, for even articulating what one doesn't know about a certain subject inevitably requires phrasing it as a question using concepts. Theory is an intellectual tool. It also works the other way around. Theory is also the result of understanding and it is this Janus-faced property on which this thesis is based. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/16985/ 2009-11-01T00:00:00Z This paper bridges a gap between emergent transition theories and the policy maker facing societal transitions when making long-term policy. Using a two-step approach the abstract concepts are linked to the realm of the policy maker. First the forces underlying transitions are identified and second where they can be found is presented. For this a conceptual map of societal systems, the clover model, is introduced. With the clover model the structures, cultures and practices of societal systems can be found. Furthermore, intermediate changes are systematically treated to track the phases of a transition. These transition diagnostics are supplemented with recommended policy frameworks. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20194/ 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/14556/ 2008-09-22T00:00:00Z After an introduction of the theoretical framework and concepts of transition studies, this article gives an overview of how structural change in social systems has been studied from various disciplinary perspectives. This overview first leads to the conclusion that computational and mathematical approaches and their practical form, modeling, up till now, have been almost absent in the research and theorizing of structural change or transitions in social systems. Second, this review of the social science literature suggests numerous theoretical constructs relevant for transition modeling. Relevant concepts include the conceptualization of the micro-to-macro link, the importance of explaining both stability and change, quantitative and qualitative definitions of structural change, the use of dichotomies, synchronic and diachronic reasoning in explaining structural change, definitions of basic patterns of social change, the conceptualization of resistance to change and intentional and normative aspects of social change. This article employs these theoretical concepts to describe and discuss the models presented in this special issue in order to develop an understanding of what exactly entails a computational or mathematical approach to societal transitions. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/14557/ 2008-09-22T00:00:00Z In this article a mathematical framework is introduced and explored for the study of processes in societal transitions. A transition is conceptualised as a fundamental shift in the functioning of a societal system. The framework views functioning as a real-valued field defined upon a real variable. The initial status quo prior to a transition is captured in a field called the regime and the alternative that possibly takes over is represented in a field called a niche. Think for example of a transition in an energy supply system, where the regime could be centrally produced, fossil fuel based energy supply and a niche decentralised renewable energy production. The article then proceeds to translate theoretical notions on the interactions and dynamics of regimes and niches from transition literature into the language of this framework. This is subsequently elaborated in some simple models and studied analytically or by means of computer simulation. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/14558/ 2008-09-15T00:00:00Z