Axes of contestation in sustainability transitions

• Transition dynamics and agency are insufficiently considered in sectors with complex configurational set-ups. We introduce the concept of contestation axis. Considerable can play out along other axes than typical niche-regime analyze waste sector Denmark. Circular economy visions trigger agentic processes between multiple socio-technical configurations. Research sustainability transitions increasingly acknowledges that structural characteristics systems differ. However, little attention has been paid to specific transition result from this variation. In response, paper develops a framework for studying takes their influence on into account. axis highlight alternative potential interfaces functional solutions system. argue considerable frictions actors at established regimes emerging niches. Our conceptual is applied case study sector. explore how growing circular triggers misalignment configurations Danish case, we zoom three actual have manifested different axes.