Translation mechanisms in socio-technical niches: a case study of Dutch river management

Abstract

This paper makes three contributions to the field of transition research. First, it sheds light on how the concept of translation can contribute to a better understanding of agency in niche development. Second, it articulates how the local–global distinction in the strategic niche management (SNM) approach relates to the levels in the multi-level perspective. Third, the article is empirically novel by presenting a radical sustainable innovation in Dutch water management (‘New Rivers’).

Keywords:

• sustainability transitions
• translations
• strategic niche management
• river management

Acknowledgements

This article is the result of a research project kindly financed by InnovatieNetwerk.

Notes

See Schot and Geels (2008) for a more elaborate history of SNM.

http://www.innovatienetwerk.org/en/concepten//

Building New Rivers.