Abstract
In this chapter we present a systems analysis methodology for the first phase of Transition Management, the preparation and exploration phase, in an urban context. The methodology consists of the following four steps, which are followed in an iterative way: (i) system definition, (ii) system structuring, (iii) data gathering and (iv) data assessment and analysis. Characteristic of this methodology is the use of the SCENE sustainability model, in combination with a set of lenses that reflect a variety of ways of looking at the system from macro, meso, and micro level. Together, these lenses ensure an integrated perspective and thorough analysis of a city’s government and governance. The systems analysis methodology was applied in the cities of Ghent and Aberdeen to identify the challenges and opportunities in their cities with respect to energy use and CO2 reductions. The outcomes and reflections on their respective systems analyses show that creating an overview of the state of the system revealed interesting connections and that constructing a historical analysis of the city inspired and motivated participants. The systems analysis broadened the problem perception, revealed institutional barriers to sustainable development and served as a catalyst for mutual understanding and learning between the participants. Overall, the systems analysis methodology proved to be an effective method to create an overview of the city activities under study, and stimulated the creation of a common information base and holistic thinking amongst participants in the transition process.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Balthazar T (2008) Stad Gent Lokaal Klimaatplan 2008–2020. 105 acties voor een klimaatneutrale stad. Stad Gent, Departement Milieu, Stadsontwikkeling en Wonen, Ghent
Banathy BH (1988) Systems inquiry in education. Syst Pract Action Res 1:193–212
Covenant of Mayors (2011) The Covenant of Mayors. Website of the Covenant of Mayors
Dahl AL (2009) Financial crisis and the green economy. International environment forum. UNEP/University of Geneva/Graduate Institute Certificate of Advanced Studies in Environmental Diplomacy, Geneva
European Commission (2010) The EU climate and energy package. European Commission, Climate Action, Brussels
Findeisen W, Quade ES (1985) The methodology of systems analysis: an introduction and overview. In: Miser HJ, Quade ES (eds) Handbook of systems analysis: overview of uses, procedures, applications, and practice. Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, pp 117–149
Frantzeskaki N, Loorbach D, Meadowcroft J (2012) Governing societal transitions to sustainability. Int J Sustain Dev 15(1–2):19–36
Geels FW, Schot J (2007) Typology of sociotechnical transition pathways. Res Policy 36(3):399–417
Grosskurth JA (2008) Regional sustainability: tools for integrated governance. International Centre for Integrated Assessment and Sustainable Development, Maastricht University, Maastricht
Jansen K (2009) Implicit sociology, interdisciplinarity and systems theories in agricultural science. Sociol Rural 49:172–188
Loorbach D (2009) Urban transitions and urban transition management. The case of Rotterdam. Workshop on Urban Transitions, Manchester
Loorbach D (2010) Transition management for sustainable development: a prescriptive, complexity based governance framework. Gov Int J Policy Adm Inst 23:161–183
Maas S (2011) Making sense of complex systems. A systems analysis methodology for urban transition management: the case of Ghent and its climate ambitions. Wageningen University, Wageningen
Miser HJ, Quade ES (1985) The context, nature and use of systems analysis. In: Miser HJ, Quade ES (eds) Handbook of systems analysis: overview of uses, procedures, applications, and practice. Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, pp 1–32
MUSIC (2011) Mitigation in urban areas: solutions for innovative cities. The MUSIC Project, Rotterdam
Newman P, Jennings I (2008) Cities as sustainable ecosystems: principles and practices. Island Press, London
Pahl-Wostl C (2007) The implications of complexity for integrated resources management. Environ Model Softw 22(5):561–569
Roorda C (2012) Presentatie: Resultaten enquête transitiearena Gents Klimaatverbond. Drift, Stad Gent, Ghent
Roorda C, Maas S, Frantzeskaki N, Fortuin K (2012) Systems analysis for urban sustainability transitions. A joint understanding of complexity and dynamics. 3rd International Urban Research Symposium, Belo Horizonte
Rotmans J (1998) Methods for IA: the challenges and opportunities ahead. Environ Model Assess 3:155–179
Rotmans J, Loorbach D (2009) Complexity and transition management. J Ind Ecol 13:184–196
Rotmans J, Kemp R, van Asselt M (2001) More evolution than revolution: transition management in public policy. Foresight 3:15–31
Saravanan VS (2008) A systems approach to unravel complex water management institutions. Ecol Complex 5:202–215
Swart R, Raes F (2007) Making integration of adaptation and mitigation work: mainstreaming into sustainable development policies. Clim Pol 7:288–303
van der Brugge R (2009) Transition dynamics in social-ecological systems: the case of Dutch water management. Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam
van Sande I (2011) Presentatie Systeemanalyse, Transitie Arena 1. Stad Gent, departement Milieu, Ghent
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Maas, S., Fortuin, K., Frantzeskaki, N., Roorda, C. (2018). Starting Up Transition Management: A Closer View on the Systems Analysis and How It Initiated Transformative Thinking in Ghent and Aberdeen Cities. In: Frantzeskaki, N., Hölscher, K., Bach, M., Avelino, F. (eds) Co-creating Sustainable Urban Futures. Future City, vol 11. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69273-9_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69273-9_7
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-69271-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-69273-9
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)