Sticky transformation how path dependencies in socio-technical regimes are impeding the transformation to a Green Economy

Abstract

Many works in innovation research use path dependencies to explain the fact that change is often difficult to achieve. With regard to a transition to a Green Economy, this paper identifies specific path dependencies in 15 areas of transformation in the sectors of mobility, food, housing and raw material in Germany. In total, 30 subtypes of technological, economical, organizational, user-specific and legal path dependencies were identified and included in the analysis. One of the overarching observations is that for a successful transition to a Green Economy, the role of the state seems to be central. In many areas of transition, supposedly transformative regulation is full of loopholes and does not work, as special interest lobbying prevents the democratic implementation of effective, path-changing regulation.