Human geography and socio-technical transition studies: Promising intersections

Transition researchers recognize increasingly the need to better address the role that spatial and geographical factors play in guiding the evolution of socio-technical and technological innovation systems. At the same time, some geographers are being drawn to transition studies as they strive to better understand the development trajectories of cities, industries, production networks, and economies. Building off these convergences, this paper proposes two interventions through which geographical ideas might further contribute to transitions research. The first focuses on conceptualizations of the socio-spatial dynamics through which TIS or niche contexts are coupled or aligned effectively with socio-technical regimes such that regime shifts become possible. The second brings the concept of place-making to bear on transition studies in order to analyze the political processes that shape the evolution of socio-technical systems. The paper closes with general arguments about ways to expand and diversify the geography-of-sustainability-transitions epistemic community.