Socio-technical Transitions for Sustainable Mobility in Cities: Taking Stock, Looking Ahead

Abstract

Socio-technical transitions in mobility and transport are complex processes. They involve the transformation of entire mobility systems, including technologies, infrastructures, regulations, and social practices. A significant socio-technical transition has been going on in mobility over the last decades with major trends including the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), the development of connected and automated vehicles (CAV), and the shift to sustainable mobility including public transport, cycling, and walking. These transitions are not just about technological innovations but also involve changes in policies, market structures, and social practices. They require coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development and progress of socio-technical transition framework in the area of mobility over the last decades, with a special emphasis on the multi-level perspective. The paper also reviews the conceptual underpinnings, current issues, and future research areas with regards to socio-technical transitions for mobility.