New publication: The geography of power and transition work

Charlotte Lobensteiner and Dr. Sebastian Losacker have published their new article, "The geography of power and transition work: insights from the bio-based construction sector in South Westfalia, Germany" in the journal Geoforum.

The article examines how multi-scalar power relations between different actors shape socio-technical transition processes and condition regional transition trajectories. To do so, the authors combine the concept of transition work with a relational understanding of power. They distinguish between three forms of power: power over, power with, and power to. Particular attention is paid to the resources, strategies, and capabilities of different actors and how these enable or constrain their work for the socio-technical transition.

Empirically, the authors investigate the emerging transition towards bio-based construction in South Westfalia, Germany. They conceptualize this transition as a regional transition field and examine the materials used, the key actors involved, and the (supra-)regional conditions that shape the transition process. The study is based on a qualitative content analysis of interviews with stakeholders in the (bio-based) construction sector.

Key findings:

• Power is conceptualized as constitutive of transition work.
• Regional transition work is shaped by multi-scalar power relations.
• The different forms of regional transition work- creating, maintaining & disrupting - reveal distinct power dynamics

The article is open access and can be read here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016718526002605#s0070