Intermediary role dynamics in system-level transitions: A case from energy transition

Madis Talmar, Bob Walrave, Rob Raven, Georges Romme

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademic

Abstract

Systemic intermediaries are organizations that support socio-technical transition processes by bridging structural deficiencies in a transitioning domain. In doing so, intermediaries perform a number of transition-supportive roles. Previous research has identified what these roles are and how intermediaries perform them. However, while transitioning domains are by definition in a state of change, little is known about the dynamics in intermediation activities. That is, how intermediaries develop and adjust their transition-supportive roles, and what kind of organizational conditions enable an intermediary to be dynamic in its support to a transitioning domain. We explore these questions in an exploratory longitudinal case study (2011-2017) of the evolution of the transition service portfolio of a major systemic intermediary from the domain of sustainable energy. Four contributions to the literature on systemic intermediaries are made. First, we operationalize the concept of transition-supportive roles. Second, we explore on the micro-level how intermediaries design support services. Third, we articulate the mechanism by which systemic intermediaries can develop the transition-supportive roles they perform toward transition stakeholders. Fourth, we identify an organizational setup that enables an intermediary to be dynamic in its portfolio of transition services.
Original languageEnglish
Article number11331
JournalProceedings - Academy of Management
Volume1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2019
Event79th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management - Boston, United States
Duration: 9 Aug 201913 Aug 2019

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