Projectified governance and sustainability transitions: How projects and framework programmes can accelerate transition processes

Abstract

Projects are used in large numbers as a method to steer societal development, especially in contemporary Western societies. This so-called projectification has relevant socio-political effects on sustainability transitions, especially from the policy perspective. The aim of this paper is to analyse how projects and policy framework programmes can accelerate transition processes. The paper introduces the concept of a ‘projectified transition policy process’ by synthesising research on projectified governance, transitions and policy processes. The concept's empirical relevance is addressed with a case study analysis focussing on a framework programme that supports nutrient recycling technologies and practices via project funding. The framework programme was the first measure to actualise transition-driven nutrient recycling policy in Finland, which has been ongoing since 2010. The conceptual exploration and case analysis in this paper show that projects and framework programmes can accelerate transition processes by mobilising actors, creating synergies between them with intermediary actions and producing project outcomes that can be turned into effective transition inputs.