Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises
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7 Sep 2023 12:30 - 14:00 CEST. Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises Fazey, I and Colvin, J. (2023). Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises - A Report for the Transforming UK Food Systems SPF Programme. University of York, Emerald Network Ltd. #52 p. Online workshop based on a newly published report by Professor Ioan Fazey (University of York) and Dr John Colvin (Emerald Network Ltd) for the UKRI Transforming UK Food Systems SPF Programme. This workshop was be an opportunity to learn, and engage with others, about the concept of transformational change in a context of a rapidly changing world. The authors gave an overview of the concept of transformation and highlighted some of the critical aspects that need to be considered when embarking on an initiative, approach or campaign which is intended to be transformational. They talked about the challenges and opportunities of adopting these concepts in practice and research and there was an opportunity for participants to explore with others their own understanding and approaches to transformation.
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Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises
- 1. Transformation An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises Ioan Fazey & John Colvin Emerald network Ltd.
- 3. This webinar
- 4. Emerald network Ltd. The main take home message: Transformation is a particular kind of change. So, to support transformation, you need to carefully attend to what you think transformation is, how you expect transformational change occurs, and how you intend to strategically bring it about.
- 5. Emerald network Ltd. A mindfulness beginning
- 6. Emerald network Ltd. Why transform? • For good or bad, the world is transforming • In this context, our ‘systems’ are increasingly less fit for purpose • We need to transcend the patterns that have led to the challenges we now face • Food systems are a good example Parsons, K. H., C.; Wells, R. 2019. What is the food system? A food policy perspective. . Centre for Food Policy, London.
- 7. Emerald network Ltd. What is transformation? • Transformation is a ‘fundamental change’ • Qualitatively different to adjustments & reforms • Subjective, yet distinct
- 8. Emerald network Ltd. What is transformation? Not change to a fatter, fitter, faster caterpillar… From: The very hungry caterpillar. Eric Carle. 1969 … but transformation to a butterfly with a different function, ability, purpose Fazey, I., and G. Leicester. 2022. Archetypes of system transition and transformation: Six lessons for stewarding change. Energy Research and Social Science 91.
- 9. Emerald network Ltd. Transformation to what? • Being clear about what a transformed system is supposed to be like retains focus on fundamental change • An example: regenerative systems • Regenerative food systems: not just regenerative farming Modified from Wahl, D. C. 2016. Designing regenerative cultures. Triarchy Press, Axminster, UK.
- 10. Emerald network Ltd. Transformation through what? O'Brien, K. 2018. Is the 1.5°C target possible? Exploring the three spheres of transformation. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 31:153-160. • 3 spheres • Outer & inner transformations
- 11. Emerald network Ltd. The main take home message: Transformation is a particular kind of change. So, to support transformation, you need to carefully attend to what you think transformation is, how you expect transformational change occurs, and how you intend to strategically bring it about.
- 12. Emerald network Ltd. Breakouts & discussion - What does transformation mean to you? - What are your experiences of transformation (personal or professional)? - Are you working in some way to support a transformation? - Breakouts 15-20 minutes - Assign time-keeper, reporter - Be ready to bring back ONE key insight from your group about ‘transformation’, such as what you think it is or how it can be achieved
- 14. Emerald network Ltd. Hargreaves, M., J. Colvin, and T. Larson. 2017. Theory of transformational change for the Climate Investment Funds. Washington DC: Transformational Change Learning Partnership. Transformation processes and pathways • What are the elements of systems change? • Working across many arenas
- 15. Emerald network Ltd. Transformation processes and pathways Shi, L., and S. Moser. 2021. Transformative climate adaptation in the United States: Trends and prospects. Science 372. • What are the elements of systems change? • Where to create leverage?
- 16. Emerald network Ltd. Whose transformation? Parsons, K. H., C.; Wells, R. 2019. What is the food system? A food policy perspective. . Centre for Food Policy, London. • Transformation involves multiple actors and is always embedded in political processes. • Seeing shifting patterns of power relations, agency, inclusion and distributional impact as core elements of ‘system change’ is aligned with this perspective. • How to do this? Design for transformational contribution can look quite different from a ’top- down’, ‘bottom-up’ or coalition perspective.
- 17. Emerald network Ltd. Top-down approaches to shifting power: Designing for empowerment and redistribution of impacts Just Transition Initiative. 2020. Just transition concepts and relevance for climate action: A preliminary framework. Collaboration between the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and Climate Investment Funds, Washington, D.C.
- 18. Emerald network Ltd. Bottom-up approaches to shifting power: Conflict and resistance Strategies to impact on the people, structural and cultural dimensions of domination Temper, L., M. Walter, I. Rodriguez, A. Kothari, and E. Turhan. 2018. A perspective on radical transformations to sustainability: resistances, movements and alternatives. Sustainability Science 13:747-764.
- 19. Emerald network Ltd. Building or leveraging coalitions for transformation UK climate movement: Coalitions can bridge differences of power and combine different roles & positions Laybourn-Langton, L., Quilter-Pinner, H. and N. Treloar, N. 2021. Making change: What works? Runnymede and Institute for Public Policy Research (IPRR).
- 20. Emerald network Ltd. Transformation examples HLPE. 2019. Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome. Agroecology - gradual transformation • Long history, slow start, accelerating momentum • Strong vision/ set of principles • System change focus • Scaling up, out and deep over time
- 22. Emerald network Ltd. The main take home message: Transformation is a particular kind of change. So, to support transformation, you need to carefully attend to what you think transformation is, how you expect transformational change occurs, and how you intend to strategically contribute to a broader process of transformational change (given your own positioning and agency).