Bridging Transition Pathways

This research paper proposes and tests a unified transition modelling approach that integrates quantitative energy systems models with socio-technical systems analysis and local action studies to better capture the technical, social, and political dimensions of energy transitions.

• The paper identifies a gap in transition modelling where quantitative models, such as integrated assessment models, often ignore social processes and politics, while socio-technical systems approaches lack quantitative future system views.
• Using the Swedish residential heating system as a case study for a transition to a low-carbon system by 2050, the authors developed a conceptual framework that links three approaches: niche innovations from socio-technical studies are used as model scenario options, landscape signals act as external drivers, and regime studies identify governance requirements and barriers.
• The study concludes that linking quantitative and social science-based approaches provides an enriched understanding of future systems change, though further research across different sectors is needed to establish generalisable lessons.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2018). Bridging Transition Pathways. https://www.sei.org/publications/bridging-transition-pathways/

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. Bridging Transition Pathways. 2018. https://www.sei.org/publications/bridging-transition-pathways/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=Bridging Transition Pathways |date=24 April 2018 |url=https://www.sei.org/publications/bridging-transition-pathways/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2018bridging, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{Bridging Transition Pathways}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2018}, month = apr, url = {https://www.sei.org/publications/bridging-transition-pathways/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }