Mapping lock-ins and enabling environments for agri-food sustainability transitions in Europe

• DOI: 10.1007/s11625-024-01480-y
• Publication Date: 2024-04-08T08:03:41Z
• Authors: Tim G. Williams; Matthias Bürgi; Niels Debonne; Vasco Diogo; Julian Helfenstein; Christian Levers; Franziska Mohr; Anne Elise Stratton; Peter H. Verburg
• Keywords: Leverage (statistics)

Abstract European agri-food systems must overcome structural lock-ins to achieve more sustainable modes of production and consumption. Yet regions are highly diverse, we lack understanding how different regional characteristics may enable or inhibit sustainability transitions. This hinders the development context-tailored governance strategies. In this paper, identify apply sets spatial indicators map potentials for We first analyse strength lock-in incumbent agro-industrial paradigm. then enabling environments two alternative networks—multifunctional value chains civic food networks—that each embed distinct social–ecological qualities agriculture food. Results demonstrate a large diversity in transition potential, with stronger throughout North Western Europe transitions Italy, France, Switzerland, Southwest Germany. find that strongest livestock-dominated associated higher GHG emissions excess nitrogen levels. Our study demonstrates need coordinated public policies (1) leverage region-specific (2) complementary innovations market-based community-led networks.