The School of Public Policy and Administration is pleased to announce the publication of a new article by Professor Daniel Rosenbloom in Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. Titled “Building Momentum for a ‘Policy Turn’ in Sustainability Transitions: Lessons from Canada,” this work underscores the critical role of sustainability transition frameworks in tackling global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Professor Rosenbloom’s research provides an insightful analysis of how sustainability transitions, characterized by systemic problem definitions, transformative pathways, and innovative governance solutions, are becoming increasingly integral to policymaking. Drawing from his unique experience as both an academic and a policy leader in Canada’s federal government, the article bridges theoretical insights with practical strategies, offering timely guidance for policymakers navigating complex sustainability crises.
The article highlights the rapid adoption of transition approaches in key international policy contexts, including the European Green Deal, reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and sustainability-focused work by the OECD. Professor Rosenbloom explores the strengths of the field, such as its ability to frame sustainability crises as systemic challenges rooted in socio-technical configurations, enabling policymakers to address structural barriers to progress. He emphasizes the importance of crafting pathways that align near-term actions with long-term sustainability goals, advocating for governance strategies that simultaneously foster innovation and phase out outdated systems. Recognizing the challenges that remain, the article identifies critical divides between sustainability scholarship and policy application. These include a need for greater institutional capacity, stronger connections between researchers and practitioners, and a shift toward policy-ready knowledge. Professor Rosenbloom outlines a series of practical recommendations, such as embedding sustainability transitions into policymaking through targeted scholar-in-residence programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding the empirical evidence base to inform strategic decisions.
Professor Rosenbloom describes this moment as pivotal for sustainability transitions. He argues that as conventional policy approaches continue to fall short in addressing global sustainability crises, the need for transformative, systems-based solutions is more urgent than ever. He highlights the opportunities for transition scholars and policymakers to collaborate more effectively, ensuring that sustainability perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes at national, regional, and global levels.
This publication reflects SPPA’s commitment to producing impactful research that addresses pressing societal challenges. By bridging the gap between academic insights and practical policymaking, Professor Rosenbloom’s work offers a roadmap for advancing sustainability transitions in Canada and beyond.
For more information and to access the article, visit ScienceDirect.
