Diversity, scale and sustainability in human systems: towards a research agenda

This paper explores the relationship between diversity, locality, scale and sustainability in human systems. Using examples from brewing, steel production, and printing it suggests mass production economies of scale has peaked, creating new opportunities and challenges for sustainability science. It is concluded that there is a potential research agenda in seeking to understand where, how, why, at what cost and under what conditions smaller scale may yield sustainability advantages.

► Sustainability is premised on small scale and fit to locality.
► Diverse local solutions are an essential component of sustainability.
► Illustrated by three case studies: brewing; printing and steelmaking.
► Important research agendas suggested for re-localisation of economic life.