The impact of privatization on sustainability transitions: A comparative analysis of dynamic capabilities in three water utilities

Eva Lieberherr*, Bernhard Truffer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This paper analyzes the ability of water utilities to contribute to sustainability transition processes. More specifically, we compare the capacity of utilities, embedded in purely public, mixed and largely private governance modes, to innovate. We employ dynamic capabilities as core indicators for innovativeness and therefore as major enabling factors for sustainable sector transitions. We assess the relationship between governance modes and innovation by conducting an in-depth comparative analysis of three water utilities, each within a differing governance mode along the public-to-private continuum: Zurich, Berlin and Leeds. While we find that the private and mixed governance modes have an increased degree of innovativeness, they perform lower in terms of static sustainability criteria than the public mode. We therefore conclude that the impact of privatization on sustainability transitions in the water sector involves multi-dimensional trade-offs between static and dynamic sustainability criteria.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)101-122
JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
Volume15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2015

Keywords

  • Dynamic capabilities
  • Innovation
  • Privatization
  • Sustainability transitions
  • Urban water sector

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The impact of privatization on sustainability transitions: A comparative analysis of dynamic capabilities in three water utilities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this