The PSM approach to transitions: Bridging the gap between abstract frameworks and tangible entities

Transition research investigates processes of fundamental change in societal subsystems, such as a transition to a low-emission mobility system. Much of transition research uses abstract frameworks to structure narratives. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms generating transitions is however required for purposefully influencing transitions (to sustainability). Such mechanisms comprise constellations of actors, technologies, institutions and their interactions leading to a specific type of phenomenon and refer to more confined social phenomena than transitions. This paper introduces the PSM (Phenomenon of interest, Specification and operationalization, Mechanism) approach to embed mechanisms describing particular dynamics of interest within the broader picture of an overall transition. The PSM approach uses three steps to bridge abstraction levels: 1) identify a phenomenon of interest in a specific phase of a transition and on or across levels of the multi-level perspective, 2) specify and operationalize the phenomenon of interest, and 3) identify mechanisms which are (partial) explanations of the phenomenon of interest. The PSM approach is considered useful to bridge levels of abstractions between which policy development must navigate, to empirically ground discussions around abstract frameworks and to transfer insights on relevant mechanisms between cases. An illustrative example from the mobility field is given.

► Abstract frameworks help to structure the complexity of transitions. ► Mechanisms involving actors are required for designing policies. ► The PSM approach bridges these levels of abstraction using three steps. ► It is useful to empirically ground discussions around abstract frameworks. ► It is useful to zoom in from the big picture to specific measures.