Joint BioAgora Research on Transformative Governance: Exploring theory of change and the role of the law

As the world faces global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, the concept of transformative governance emerges as a vital framework for addressing systemic changes. A recent study, authored by an interdisciplinary team of renowned researchers, provides fresh insights into how governance structures can support transformative change for a sustainable future.

This joint BioAgora, BIONEXT, RELIEF project study, led by BioAgora project coordinator Kaisa Korhonen-Kurki, along with co-authors D. D’Amato, A. Belinskij, D. Lazarevic, P. Leskinen, E.-J. Nylén, M. Pappila, O. Penttilä, S. Pitzén, N. Pykäläinen, T. Turunen, and S. Vikström, explores the intersection of governance, law, and sustainability. These researchers are affiliated with renowned Finnish institutions, including the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Environment Institute, bringing together expertise in environmental law, social sciences, and natural resource management.

With the main aim to establish what is the perception of law towards transformative change, the paper delves into analysing five governance approaches—adaptive, earth system, evolutionary, transformative, and transition governance.

The literature review performed within the study shows that collaboration, leadership, learning, plurality, empowerment, innovation, and vision emerge as the key mechanisms for driving transformative change. According to the study these mechanisms collectively foster the conditions necessary for systemic shifts toward sustainability.

The study also uncovers that in the governance approaches analysed, the role of law is often oversimplified, either being seen as an enabler or a barrier to sustainability. However, a more nuanced understanding is essential to harness its potential. For this reason, the research team makes a recommendation that strengthening legal analysis within transformative change processes could provide deeper insights into how legal frameworks can support or hinder systemic transitions, offering valuable tools for designing laws that are adaptive, forward-looking, and conducive to long-term sustainability goals.

This work contributes to the growing discourse on governance models for sustainability, offering a roadmap for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking to navigate complex transitions toward a more equitable and resilient future.

Read the full study here.