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Linking Complexity and Sustainability Theories: Implications for Modeling Sustainability Transitions

Author

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  • Camaren Peter

    (School of Public Leadership, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Western Cape, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Mark Swilling

    (School of Public Leadership, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Western Cape, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

In this paper, we deploy a complexity theory as the foundation for integration of different theoretical approaches to sustainability and develop a rationale for a complexity-based framework for modeling transitions to sustainability . We propose a framework based on a comparison of complex systems’ properties that characterize the different theories that deal with transitions to sustainability. We argue that adopting a complexity theory based approach for modeling transitions requires going beyond deterministic frameworks; by adopting a probabilistic , integrative , inclusive and adaptive approach that can support transitions. We also illustrate how this complexity-based modeling framework can be implemented; i.e. , how it can be used to select modeling techniques that address particular properties of complex systems that we need to understand in order to model transitions to sustainability. In doing so, we establish a complexity-based approach towards modeling sustainability transitions that caters for the broad range of complex systems’ properties that are required to model transitions to sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Camaren Peter & Mark Swilling, 2014. "Linking Complexity and Sustainability Theories: Implications for Modeling Sustainability Transitions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-29, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:3:p:1594-1622:d:34378
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    2. Nur Chasanah & Indra Gunawan & Bassam Baroudi, 2024. "Post‐project sustainability evaluation by using a complex systems approach: A framework and an application to a revolving loan fund (microfinance) project in Indonesia," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(2), pages 274-300, March.
    3. Muhammad Adil Rauf & Bruce Frayne, 2024. "Affordable Housing – Challenges and Constraints for Local Governance in Canada," Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 17(1), pages 103-103, January.
    4. Petru Lucian Curșeu & Sandra G.L. Schruijer, 2020. "Participation and Goal Achievement of Multiparty Collaborative Systems Dealing with Complex Problems: A Natural Experiment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, January.
    5. Arman Canatay & Leonel Prieto & Muhammad Ruhul Amin, 2025. "Navigating the Convergence of Global Competitiveness and Sustainable Development: A Multi-Level Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-39, June.
    6. Mohammad Soltani Delgosha & Tahereh Saheb & Nastaran Hajiheydari, 0. "Modelling the Asymmetrical Relationships between Digitalisation and Sustainable Competitiveness: A Cross-Country Configurational Analysis," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-21.
    7. Adriana Grigorescu & Ionela Munteanu & Catalin-Daniel Dumitrica & Cristina Lincaru, 2023. "Development of a Green Competency Matrix Based on Civil Servants’ Perception of Sustainable Development Expertise," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-17, September.
    8. Stognief, Nora & Walk, Paula & Schöttker, Oliver & Oei, Pao-Yu, 2019. "Economic Resilience of German Lignite Regions in Transition," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 11(21).
    9. Felder, F.A. & Kumar, P., 2021. "A review of existing deep decarbonization models and their potential in policymaking," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    10. Marra, Mita, 2025. "Bridging the gaps in sustainability assessment: A systematic literature review, 2014–2023," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    11. Fabio Zagonari, 2016. "Four Sustainability Paradigms for Environmental Management: A Methodological Analysis and an Empirical Study Based on 30 Italian Industries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-34, May.
    12. Mariam Seedat‐Khan & Victor Iyanuoluwa Ogunsola & Richard Obinna Okocha & Adekunle Victor Owoyomi & Aradhana Ramnund‐Mansingh, 2023. "Sustainable wastewater management: An imperative for urban development in Lagos, Nigeria," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(5), pages 3291-3302, October.
    13. Lampis, Andrea & Ibañez Martín, María María & Zabaloy, María Florencia & Schirmer Soares, Raiana & Guzowski, Carina & Mandai, Silvia Sayuri & Lazaro, Lira Luz Benites & Hermsdorff, Sonia Maria G.L. & , 2022. "Energy transition or energy diversification? Critical thoughts from Argentina and Brazil," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    14. Camaren Peter, 2021. "Social Innovation for Sustainable Urban Developmental Transitions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Leveraging Economic Ecosystems and the Entrepreneurial State," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-19, June.
    15. Meng Pei & Riya Tabish, 2025. "Forging a Sustainable Future in G20 Economies: The Transformative Role of Technological Innovation, Green Finance and Higher Education Amid Globalization and Entrepreneurial Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-30, April.
    16. repec:osf:socarx:93h82_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    17. Boeing, Geoff, 2017. "Methods and Measures for Analyzing Complex Street Networks and Urban Form," SocArXiv 93h82, Center for Open Science.
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    19. Allison Bridges, 2016. "The role of institutions in sustainable urban governance," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 40(4), pages 169-179, November.
    20. Mita Marra, 2025. "Leveraging Entrepreneurship Education in Italy’s Inner Areas: Implications for Regional Planning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-24, October.

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