1. Transformation
An introductory guide to fundamental change for
researchers and change makers in a world of crises
Ioan Fazey & John Colvin
Emerald network Ltd.

2. Why this report?

3. This webinar

4. Emerald network Ltd.
The main take home
message:
Transformation is a particular kind of
change. So, to support transformation, you
need to carefully attend to what you think
transformation is, how you expect
transformational change occurs, and how
you intend to strategically bring it about.

5. Emerald network Ltd.
A mindfulness
beginning

6. Emerald network Ltd.
Why transform?
• For good or bad, the world is
transforming
• In this context, our ‘systems’ are
increasingly less fit for purpose
• We need to transcend the
patterns that have led to the
challenges we now face
• Food systems are a good
example
Parsons, K. H., C.; Wells, R. 2019. What is the
food system? A food policy perspective. .
Centre for Food Policy, London.

7. Emerald network Ltd.
What is transformation?
• Transformation is a
‘fundamental change’
• Qualitatively different to
adjustments & reforms
• Subjective, yet distinct

8. Emerald network Ltd.
What is transformation?
Not change to a fatter, fitter, faster caterpillar…
From: The very hungry caterpillar. Eric Carle. 1969
… but transformation to a butterfly with a
different function, ability, purpose
Fazey, I., and G. Leicester. 2022. Archetypes of system transition and transformation: Six
lessons for stewarding change. Energy Research and Social Science 91.

9. Emerald network Ltd.
Transformation to what?
• Being clear about what a
transformed system is
supposed to be like retains
focus on fundamental change
• An example: regenerative
systems
• Regenerative food systems:
not just regenerative farming
Modified from Wahl, D. C. 2016.
Designing regenerative cultures.
Triarchy Press, Axminster, UK.

10. Emerald network Ltd.
Transformation
through what?
O'Brien, K. 2018. Is the 1.5°C target possible? Exploring the three spheres of
transformation. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 31:153-160.
• 3 spheres
• Outer & inner
transformations

11. Emerald network Ltd.
The main take home
message:
Transformation is a particular kind of
change. So, to support transformation, you
need to carefully attend to what you think
transformation is, how you expect
transformational change occurs, and how
you intend to strategically bring it about.

12. Emerald network Ltd.
Breakouts & discussion
- What does transformation mean to you?
- What are your experiences of transformation (personal or
professional)?
- Are you working in some way to support a
transformation?
- Breakouts 15-20 minutes
- Assign time-keeper, reporter
- Be ready to bring back ONE key insight from your group
about ‘transformation’, such as what you think it is or how
it can be achieved

13. Transformation
approaches

14. Emerald network Ltd.
Hargreaves, M., J. Colvin, and T. Larson. 2017. Theory of transformational
change for the Climate Investment Funds. Washington DC: Transformational
Change Learning Partnership.
Transformation processes
and pathways
• What are the
elements of
systems
change?
• Working
across many
arenas

15. Emerald network Ltd.
Transformation processes and pathways
Shi, L., and S. Moser. 2021. Transformative climate adaptation
in the United States: Trends and prospects. Science 372.
• What are the
elements of
systems
change?
• Where to
create
leverage?

16. Emerald network Ltd.
Whose transformation?
Parsons, K. H., C.; Wells, R. 2019. What is the
food system? A food policy perspective. .
Centre for Food Policy, London.
• Transformation involves multiple
actors and is always embedded in
political processes.
• Seeing shifting patterns of power
relations, agency, inclusion and
distributional impact as core
elements of ‘system change’ is
aligned with this perspective.
• How to do this? Design for
transformational contribution can
look quite different from a ’top-
down’, ‘bottom-up’ or coalition
perspective.

17. Emerald network Ltd.
Top-down
approaches to
shifting power:
Designing for
empowerment
and
redistribution
of impacts
Just Transition Initiative. 2020. Just transition concepts and relevance for climate
action: A preliminary framework. Collaboration between the Centre for Strategic
and International Studies and Climate Investment Funds, Washington, D.C.

18. Emerald network Ltd.
Bottom-up
approaches to
shifting
power:
Conflict and
resistance
Strategies to impact on the people, structural and
cultural dimensions of domination
Temper, L., M. Walter, I. Rodriguez,
A. Kothari, and E. Turhan. 2018. A
perspective on radical
transformations to sustainability:
resistances, movements and
alternatives. Sustainability Science
13:747-764.

19. Emerald network Ltd.
Building or
leveraging coalitions
for transformation
UK climate
movement:
Coalitions can bridge
differences of power
and combine
different roles &
positions
Laybourn-Langton, L., Quilter-Pinner, H.
and N. Treloar, N. 2021. Making change:
What works? Runnymede and Institute
for Public Policy Research (IPRR).

20. Emerald network Ltd.
Transformation
examples
HLPE. 2019. Agroecological and other
innovative approaches for sustainable
agriculture and food systems that
enhance food security and nutrition. High
Level Panel of Experts on Food Security
and Nutrition of the Committee on World
Food Security, Rome.
Agroecology - gradual
transformation
• Long history, slow
start, accelerating
momentum
• Strong vision/ set
of principles
• System change
focus
• Scaling up, out and
deep over time

21. Emerald network Ltd.
Groundswell
Regenerative
Agriculture
Festival (UK)
2023

22. Emerald network Ltd.
The main take home
message:
Transformation is a particular kind of
change. So, to support transformation, you
need to carefully attend to what you think
transformation is, how you expect
transformational change occurs, and how
you intend to strategically contribute to a
broader process of transformational
change (given your own positioning and
agency).