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Introducing and Scaling Up Sustainable Product-Service Systems: Insights from Transition Studies

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Book cover Sustainable Product-Service Systems

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology ((BRIEFSPOLIMI))

Abstract

Building upon theories and concept from transition studies, this chapter illustrates how radical innovations take place, and which are the related dynamics, processes and influencing factors. The chapter then illustrates the concept of socio-technical experiment and in particular its role in triggering transition processes. The text then discusses to which extent the concepts and insights from transition studies are valuable for the specific characteristics of sustainable PSSs. As a result, the chapter puts forward a conceptual framework to describe how the implementation and diffusion of sustainable PSS innovations take place, and explains, in a coherent way, the main influencing factors (and how they are interrelated). The argumentation is accompanied by the illustration of case studies.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The conceptualisation of the MLP model by Geels builds upon previous work (Kemp 1994; Schot et al. 1994; Rip and Kemp 1998; Kemp et al. 1998; Van den Ende and Kemp 1999).

  2. 2.

    Joore (2010) has combined this model with a prescriptive design process, developing the Multi Level Design (MLD) model, which clarify the mutual relationship between new products and societal change processes.

  3. 3.

    For a comparison between the various concepts of socio-technical experiments see Ceschin (2012: pp. 88–94).

  4. 4.

    The mechanisms deepening, broadening and scaling-up were first described in Rotmans and Loorbach (2006) and elaborated by Van den Bosch and Taanman (2006) and Van den Bosch and Rotmans (2008).

  5. 5.

    Of course not all socio-technical experiments contribute to these three mechanisms. Experiments have to be properly conceived and managed in order to do so.

  6. 6.

    Example of such kind of interconnected and synergetic experiments can be found in the Feeding Milano project, aimed at prototyping and implementing a network of “0 miles” food related services between the city of Milan and the peri-urban area known as Agricultural Park South Milan (Simeone and Cantú 2011; Cantú 2012).

  7. 7.

    This case studies research is deeply discussed in Ceschin (2013b).

  8. 8.

    The PSS innovations selected are use-oriented PSS and result-oriented PSS. Product-oriented PSS have not been included in this study because they usually cannot be considered radical innovations and therefore they can be implemented using consolidated management strategies.

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  1. School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK

    Fabrizio Ceschin

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Ceschin, F. (2014). Introducing and Scaling Up Sustainable Product-Service Systems: Insights from Transition Studies. In: Sustainable Product-Service Systems. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03795-0_3

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