Looking for transitions

Abstract

Drawing on experience with transition monitoring in 9 different programmes and sectors in the period 2005-2010, his research describes a wide array of monitoring instruments as well as general building blocks for transition monitoring. Given the complexity and uncertainties regarding transitions, programmes generally do not start with well-defined objectives and a clear view of the transition they are pursuing. They develop these over time as well as the networks and innovations necessary to achieve them.

Sometimes this ´goal searching´ behaviour is wrongly mistaken as a weakness of such programmes, as it makes it difficult to account for their impacts. However, Taanman finds that this behaviour is not only an emperical fact but also a strong legitimization for these programmes as it addresses key governance, market and system flaws.

Transition monitoring supports programme development by providing facts, feedback and reflection on developments at project, programme and transition field levels. The research describes what kind of monitoring information is useful at different points in time as well as modes in which programme managers and outside experts can co-produce this information.