Title: Governance for sustainable development: moving from theory to practice

Authors: Rene Kemp, Saeed Parto, Robert B. Gibson

Addresses: MERIT, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, NL-6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. ' MERIT, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, NL-6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. ' Environment and Resource Studies, 200 University Avenue West, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada

Abstract: In this paper we examine and elaborate on the central elements of sustainable development and governance, considering their interrelations as they have emerged from the core themes in sustainable development discourses over the past decade and a half. We argue that sustainability is best viewed as a socially instituted process of adaptive change in which innovation is a necessary element. We discuss four key elements of governance for sustainability, which are integrated into the concept of transition management. The result is a conceptual framework for policy-making and action-taking aimed at progress towards sustainability.

Keywords: governance; innovation; sustainable development; sustainability; trade-offs; transition management; The Netherlands.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSD.2005.007372

International Journal of Sustainable Development, 2005 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.12 - 30

Published online: 14 Jul 2005 *

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