The multi-level perspective on sustainability transitions: Responses to seven criticisms

Ontologies, socio-technical transitions (to sustainability), and the multi-level perspective

Using recent criticisms and suggestions regarding themulti-level perspective as stepping stones, the article aims to enhance the reflexivity in transition debates regarding social theories. To that end, the article discusses seven social science ontologies (rational choice, evolution theory, structuralism, interpretivism, ccepted 1 January 2010 vailable online 21 February 2010

Rethinking the Multi - level Perspective of Technological Transitions

In recent years numerous articles have been published which advocate a multi-level perspective (MLP) for the analysis of long term technological transitions. This paper reviews current transitions research and considers the limitations of the MLP which need to be addressed to enhance understanding of processes of innovation affecting the transformation of technology and society. The paper sugge...

Sustainable futures: Multi-disciplinary perspectives on multi-level transitions

What is the disparity between the climate and resource challenges we face and the measures in place to meet them? This special issue addresses that question by outlining various aspects of current problems, more sustainable alternatives and elements of transition pathways to achieve a more sustainable future. Twenty five years ago the Brundtland Commission highlighted the urgent need to address...

How useful is the Multi-Level Perspective for transport and sustainability research?

Non-adiabatic transitions in multi-level systems

In a quantum system with a smoothly and slowly varying Hamiltonian, which approaches a constant operator at times t → ±∞, the transition probabilities between adiabatic states are exponentially small. They are characterized by an exponent that depends on a phase integral along a path around a set of branch points connecting the energy level surfaces in complex time. Only certain sequences of br...