17. The transition approach to understanding and governance of complex social-ecological systems Organizer: Knowledge network for System Innovations and Transitions, Dutch Research Institute for Transitions, Drift, Erasmus University Rotterdam Panel members: Dr. Derk Loorbach, Erasmus University Prof. dr. ir. Jan Rotmans, Erasmus University Drs. Rutger van der Brugge, Erasmus University Dr. Adrian Smith, SPRU, Sussex University, Brighton, UK Description: The subject of transitions has received attention within social-ecological community and is referred to as ‘transformability’. Transformability is the capacity in a social ecological system to create a fundamentally new system configuration (Walker, 2005). Olsson et al (2006) synthesized the findings of five case studies in which transformation of social-ecological systems did or did not occur. Their comparative analysis showed that successful transformation of local governance networks was associated with ‘shadow networks’. Such informal networks seemed to be important in exploring new system constellations. They also found that some leader figures were important, especially in building trust, connecting people and seizing windows of opportunity. Despite these insights, there still is an enormous challenge to move from description and explanation to a prescriptive governance framework. Anderies et al (2006) conclude: “The new insights presented here are still based on descriptive accounts (…). These insights must now be incorporated into formal models of governance. Models of this type will allow us to explore different forms of adaptive governance as part of a collaborative adaptive governance process. The development of such models is a major challenge facing social science.” Since 2001, such a more prescriptive approach towards dealing with complex societal transformations has emerged in the Netherland. Transition management (Rotmans et al, 2001, Loorbach, 2007) was introduced into national policy to stimulate the transitions to a sustainable energy supply, mobility and agriculture. Parallel to the experimental implementation, an interdisciplinary research community was established nationally and at the European level that studies and contributes to transitions and transition management (Network on System Innovations and Transitions, www.ksinetwork.nl and the Matisse network, http://www.matisse-project.net/projectcomm/). In this panel session we attempt to find the common ground between adaptive management (AM) and Transition Management (TM) and explore how TM could contribute to this challenge. An initial analysis shows that both are learning-oriented, explorative management theories. Both stress the limits to our knowledge and understanding of complex adaptive systems and therefore emphasize the importance of continuous processes of learning and adjusting. Promising is that TM has given much attention to the development of a prescriptive process-design of so-called transition arenas, a concept closely related to shadow networks and networks for discourse. This concept has been tested in a number of real cases. Over the past couple of years there has been only limited exchange of ideas between the AM and TM communities. This session tries to introduce TM into the resilience community and therewith open up the debate about possibilities and impossibilities for governance of complex socio-ecological systems, and how both communities could benefit from each others knowledge and experience. The session will include the following presentations: • Jan Rotmans Introduction: Transition and transition management: their origin, value and future • Rutger van der Brugge An adaptive ecosystems and panarchy perspective on societal transitions: linking adaptive and transition management • Derk Loorbach Transition management: an experimental governance strategy to foster innovation, learning and change to develop a more resilient society: theory and practical examples • Adrian Smith The importance of niches for societal innovation: a socio-technical perspective on the role of pioneers in regime transformations