There is widespread agreement that the affluent lifestyles of the developed countries must shift towards more sustainable forms of consumption.

The current focus of research is on the role of culture, civil society and social movements in transition processes; we are particularly interested how consumption patterns are intimately linked to broader transition processes.  

Research in this theme explores the underlying causes, governance challenges and potential policy solutions in the transition to sustainability, particularly with reference to the role of science.

Recognising the origins of these different knowledge forms, how and why they are recognised, and how associated types of expertise are mobilised in varying contexts is an essential task.

3S conducts research into the knowledge, practices and policies which are shaping transformations of environmental, social, economic and technological systems.