Governing transitions towards a circular economy?

Abstract IRSPM 2018 Panel 28: New thinking for wicked problems in public policy Governing transitions towards a circular economy?    When looking at the emerging body of literature of wicked problems, high expectations... [ view full abstract ]

Abstract IRSPM 2018

Panel 28: New thinking for wicked problems in public policy

Governing transitions towards a circular economy?

When looking at the emerging body of literature of wicked problems, high expectations are attached to the idea of transition management or transformational change. We raise some fundamental questions regarding two underlying assumptions: the feasibility of changes that are at the same time in-depth, large-scale and quick; and the assumption that incremental change is necessarily slow and can only result in superficial changes. We introduce the framework of continuous transformative change, that is based on small wins strategies.

We use this framework to analyse the Dutch Transition Program Circular Economy. Circular economy presents many typical wicked problem challenges: a confusing mess of interrelated problems that are continuously changing, due to the inherently incomplete understanding of problems, every action can have unpredictable consequences; additional efforts might increase the chances of finding a better solution. Despite these challenges the program officially aims for a 100 % circular economy in 2050 and 50 % circular  economy in 2030. Our analysis shows the emergence of abundant small wins. However the potential of these small wins is underestimated and it proved to be challenging to activate the right propelling mechanisms so as to accumulate these small into transformative change. A small wins strategy inevitably clashes with the unrealistic expectations of addressing wicked problems rapidly, radically and at a large scale. It requires both patience and courage.