Initiating system innovations for sustainable development

Changes can only be achieved together with the key players - and not over their heads. At the same time, we know that the current production and consumption patterns are very firmly anchored among the actors and show great persistence.

Changing behavior must be worth it

Actors only change their usual routines under certain conditions. For example, the majority only accept new forms of mobility when they are comfortable to use. Companies only produce long-lasting products if it is economically worthwhile. This means: actors leave the status quo if the new behavior promises opportunities.

Identify levers for behavior change

Task: Recognize conditions under which actors are prepared to make behavioral contributions - individually or in interaction. This requires technical and organizational innovations as well as new forms of interaction between actors (“social innovations”). Legal and other social framework conditions must promote these developments. Only the interaction of these elements realigns the socio-technical systems.

The Transment approach provides the framework to initiate such sustainability-oriented system innovations.