The geography of power and transition work: insights from the bio-based construction sector in South Westfalia, Germany

Abstract

This paper examines how power relations of actors shape (socio-technical) transition processes. While transition studies increasingly emphasize the relevance of agency for change, the role of power remains insufficiently understood, particularly at the micro level and in regional contexts. We develop a conceptual framework that integrates the transition work perspective with a relational understanding of power, distinguishing between power over, power with and power to, and attending to how actors’ resources, strategies and capabilities enable or constrain transition work. The paper contributes to the geography of sustainability transitions literature by offering a lens to analyze the multi-scalar geographies of power in transition work and to explain how regional transition trajectories are conditioned by these dynamics. Empirically, we investigate the emerging transition towards bio-based construction in South Westfalia (Germany). Conceptualizing this as a regional transition field, we focus on the materials used, the key actors involved and the regional conditions that shape change. The study builds on a qualitative content analysis of interviews with stakeholders in the (bio-based) construction sector. Our analysis reveals how different power constellations underpin specific forms of transition work, and how the spatiality of power relations influences dynamics in the regional transition field. We observe that power is a constitutive element of transition work rather than a mere context factor and is manifested in all forms of transition work. Moreover, our geographically sensitive perspective highlights that regional transition work is conditioned by, and interacts with, multi-scalar power constellations involving both regional and supra-regional (sometimes place-less) actors.