Key research themes
1. How do large-scale systems undergo transformational change in response to complex global challenges?
This research area focuses on understanding mechanisms, frameworks, and typologies of transformational change at systemic scales (large systems change or LSC), emphasizing complexity science principles and the interplay between societal, technological, economic, and environmental factors. It matters because addressing global 'wicked problems' such as climate change, poverty, and health epidemics requires coordinated, multi-dimensional systemic transformations rather than isolated interventions.
2. What roles do power dynamics and political shifts play in enabling or constraining sustainability transformations?
This theme investigates how power structures influence the potential for systemic sustainability transitions, identifying political contestation and shifts in incumbent and challenger actor relations as central forces shaping transformative pathways. It is critical because many sustainability challenges are rooted in entrenched social, economic, and political inequalities, so understanding and facilitating power shifts is necessary to envision and enact equitable, radical change.
3. How can communication strategies and leadership roles facilitate effective organizational and societal paradigm shifts?
This research area emphasizes the crucial function of communication—particularly internal communication by leadership—in managing change processes within organizations and broader societal systems. It investigates how information dissemination, trust-building, and interactive dialogue enable readiness for and sustain transformational shifts, highlighting the importance of message richness, participative approaches, and alignment of actors’ understanding. This matters because paradigm shifts depend not only on structural or technological aspects but also on stakeholders' shared sensemaking and engagement.