ABSTRACT
This chapter works from the field of transition studies to draw out lessons with regard to the role of cities in technological transitions at the national level. The chapter describes the multilevel perspective (MLP) on transitions, introduces some analytical distinctions with regard to the role of cities, provides historical examples as illustrations of these roles, and briefly discusses the implications for low carbon transitions. But first it introduces the topic of transitions and system innovations, and positions the socio-technical approach in relation to established ways of thinking.
