Sustainability transitions

Energy transitions

Energy production and use account for two-thirds of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Our research focuses on the system-level sustainability transitions in the energy sector that are needed to mitigate climate change.

There are a number of simultaneous disruptions facing the ways energy is produced and used, driven by changes in energy generation, technologies, distribution, energy consumption, government policy and regulation. Renewable energy production and storage technologies are potentially disruptive technologies because they change the way we produce energy, but also the way we use energy, do business with it and innovate.

Smart energy solutions can cascade into new business ecosystems, leading to radical shifts in the roles of producers, service providers and consumers. These kinds of disruptive technologies can transform life, business, and ultimately the global economy. 

Managing transition risks

Transition risks translate uncertain climate risk into well-known management problems, thereby establishing a bridge between climate risk responses and actual strategic change. They include market risks arising from shifts in market preferences, regulatory risks arising from changes in climate policy, technology risks created by radical technological changes, and reputational risks induced by liability concerns in a predominantly low-carbon future. There is growing interest in transition risks. They will gain traction in corporate management as a key issue in the near future.

Transformational change and leadership

The standard economic models and leadership theories have limits to what they can do to contribute to a sustainability agenda. We need alternative economic models where prosperity is not confused with a consumerist lifestyle and constantly accumulating material wealth. We also need new theories to lead systemic transformation in organizations and society.