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Sustainability Change Agents and Their Implementation Work: Lessons From Water Change Agents in Australia

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  • Michael Mintrom
  • Katrina Gorjanicyn
  • Briony Rogers

Abstract

Sustainability transitions require extensive coordination work. Surprisingly, we know little about the actions of those driving them. Our research objective was to identify sustainability change agents and study their implementation work in the Australian water sector. Using key informant interviews, we sought to understand the efforts of change agents driving two sustainability transitions. Our key findings are that change agents: (1) Interpret their contexts; (2) Focus their energies; (3) Build trust among stakeholders; and (4) Share their visions of the future. As well as offering practitioner insights, this research lays the foundation for systematic studies of change agents and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Mintrom & Katrina Gorjanicyn & Briony Rogers, 2025. "Sustainability Change Agents and Their Implementation Work: Lessons From Water Change Agents in Australia," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(5), pages 6693-6703, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:5:p:6693-6703
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3484
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Mintrom & Madeline Thomas, 2018. "Policy entrepreneurs and collaborative action: pursuit of the sustainable development goals," International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 10(2), pages 153-171.
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    3. Abdoulmohammad Gholamzadeh Chofreh & Feybi Ariani Goni, 2017. "Review of Frameworks for Sustainability Implementation," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(3), pages 180-188, May.
    4. Markard, Jochen & Raven, Rob & Truffer, Bernhard, 2012. "Sustainability transitions: An emerging field of research and its prospects," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 955-967.
    5. Bos, J.J. & Brown, R.R., 2014. "Assessing organisational capacity for transition policy programs," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 188-206.
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