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Global regime diffusion in space: a missed transition in San Diego’s water sector

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  • Johan Miörner

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Switzerland)

  • Jonas Heiberg

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Switzerland)

  • Christian Binz

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Switzerland)

Abstract

Socio-technical regimes are potentially global sets of highly institutionalized rationalities that have co-evolved with actors, technologies and institutions. Transition studies features an extensive focus on regimes dynamics within specific territorial contexts. However, we know surprisingly little of how regime rationalities are constructed, diffused and reproduced across geographical contexts. This is a key gap in the literature on the geography of sustainability transitions, in explaining why transitions happen in some places and not in others. This paper introduces a conceptual model to analyze transformative opportunities in regions and how regime actors strategically diffuse and implement regime solutions through combinations of discursive- and system building activities. The empirical analysis draws upon a combination of Socio-Technical Configuration Analysis (STCA) of 354 newspaper articles and 10 in-depth interviews to illuminate how regime actors prevailed in diffusing and legitimizing the water sector’s dominant socio-technical configuration in San Diego during a period of substantial transformation pressure.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Miörner & Jonas Heiberg & Christian Binz, 2021. "Global regime diffusion in space: a missed transition in San Diego’s water sector," GEIST - Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transitions 2021(08), GEIST Working Paper Series.
    • Handle: RePEc:aoe:wpaper:2108
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    1. C. Sillig & G. Marletto, 2022. "Global influence and national diversity in socio-technical transitions: a sectoral taxonomy," Working Paper CRENoS 202203, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.

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    Keywords

    global regimes; regime diffusion; regional discourse dynamics; desalination; San Diego; socio-technical configuration analysis;
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