The Governance of Socio-Technical Systems

Reviews / Votes

'[The book] makes a very valid contribution. . . unpacking the uncertainty and the instability of the governance of complex systems while proposing some avenues to reduce the potentially excessive 'universality' of the concept. . . Efforts such as this one by Borras et al. help pave the way in what remains a largely uncharted - yet fundamental field of research.'
--Science & Public Policy'It is difficult to think of a more pressingly momentous political challenge than the topic addressed in this volume, and there could hardly be a better group of researchers to unfold key implications. In the broadest of senses referred to here, 'socio-technical systems' pervade all the great political dilemmas of the contemporary world. Across sectors spanning health, food, water, energy, environment and security, growing imperatives are recognised under diverse political perspectives for radically transformative change. What is needed is innovative interdisciplinary thinking combined with scholarly rigour and close attention to detail. And motivations are required that are more animated by enabling hope than by debilitating fear. All these qualities are evident in abundance in this timely and engaging volume. Offering the kinds of fresh ideas, intense commitment and expansive vision that are so essential to success, the authors and editors are to be congratulated on a robust and timely contribution.'
--Andrew Stirling, University of Sussex, UK

'The governance of change in socio-technical and innovation systems has been a neglected topic for too long. Finally, we have a collection which brings together an interdisciplinary perspective and points towards fresh empirical and theoretical possibilities. Ambitious and challenging but well-structured, this book suggests new interconnections between political science, science and technology studies, and economics. Any social scientist seeking to understand the governance of socio-technical change should start here.'
--Alan Irwin, Dean of Research at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark