Positioning of systemic intermediaries in sustainability transitions: Between storylines and speech acts

• DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2020.02.006
• Publication Date: 2020-03-08T17:11:56Z
• Authors: Harro van Lente; Wouter P.C. Boon; Laurens Klerkx
• Keywords: Intermediary; Symbolic Interactionism

How do systemic intermediaries obtain legitimate roles for themselves in innovation systems and transition processes? This is still an understudied question the study of intermediaries. We start from observation that roles, or positions, are not given, but emerge interactions as a negotiated set rights obligations. Inspired by positioning theory, which has its roots symbolic interactionism, we analyse how positions invoked actors' various actions statements ('speech acts') they draw mutually constructed narratives ('storylines') enable constrain range possible positions. analyse, over time, three Dutch agriculture, energy production, healthcare. conclude move together with promise field and, consequence, have to reposition themselves. In different phases, both profit suffer dilemma between initiating sustaining innovative changes.