How can we use social innovations to push forward energy transition and mobility transition for a more sustainable future for all? Since 2018, ICLEI Europe has been part of a group of experts that have used analysis and modelling to answer this very question.

Through transdisciplinary research methods, the team was able to show unequivocally that it is crucial to create open feedback channels with locals, to actively involve them in processes, to be transparent, and to engage in conflict resolution. These factors must be prepared in advance and planned for alongside structural planning of sustainability transitions.

Across the examples of successful transition that were studied, communication campaigns proved highly effective at increasing local acceptance. Actively consulting citizens on the problems faced and addressing those, where possible, also contributed to enhanced acceptance.

The planning process itself can make use of a variety of tools to assist in determining the best approaches, such as agent-based modelling (ABM), which take into account stakeholders' conditions, social dynamics, psychological needs, and which keep in mind that individuals are embedded in networks that also affect their experiences.

These findings and more are summarised in a new video, which can inspire action:

All of this work has been done in the context of the SMARTEES project, in which ICLEI Europe is a partner. Based on the above-mentioned research, SMARTEES has created a so-called "Policy Sandbox Tool", which can be used to evaluate the effects of various policy interventions and social innovations in the areas of energy- and mobility-transition. This tool will allow decision makers to simulate different scenarios ahead of their planned transitions.

Learn more about the SMARTEES Policy Sanbox Tool here.