Transition thinking has become central to sustainability policy as a way to pursue transformative change toward a more sustainable world. These policies are largely informed by transition theory. It is important to explore the concepts and core patterns of transitional social change in order to understand how such concepts and assumptions about social change percolate into policy.

In this session, we will take a deep dive into the agents and agency of transitional change. We will explore the role of government and other change agents, the actions and instruments used to drive change, and the institutions that foster transition policies. The session includes a thorough reflection on the (limits of) monitoring, evaluation and assessment of transition policy.

This session follows up on the seminar on patterns of change on 16 September 2026. While the first seminar is more conceptual, the second focuses more on policy and action. Both seminars are participative and aim to bring together scientists and policymakers for an open dialogue on today’s transition theory and its influence on transition politics and policy-making.

The seminar is organised by Albert Faber (Netherlands Scientific Climate Council, IAS policy fellow) in co-operation with Ammy Vogtlander (The Rethink Lab, visiting lecturer).

This event has reached capacity. You can register for the waiting list at the link below and will be contacted if a space becomes available.