Socio-technical systems

Question 1

What is a socio-technical system?

Answer 1

The overall network of people, technologies, institutions, and practices that work together to fulfill a (societal) function, like for instance energy production or transportation.

Question 2

What is a socio-technical transition?

Answer 2

In Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) theory, a sociotechnical transition refers to a fundamental shift in the way societal functions (such as transportation, energy supply, or waste management) are fulfilled, involving changes in both the technical systems and the social, economic, political, and cultural elements that support those systems.

Question 3

Socio-technical regime

Answer 3

The stable set of technology, market, industry, policies, infrastructure, rules, norms, and practices. They shape how a system (like energy or transport) operates and it is difficult to make big changes.

Question 4

Socio-technical configuration

Answer 4

A temporary and flexible arrangement of technologies, actors, and practices… being able to change more easily.