ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the meanings of modelling for transitions research, what it is, what it could be and what it can do for the field. It provides an overview of what has been done in transitions modelling, both in the sense of the models out there and in the sense of methods, techniques and applications. The book focuses on the systematic treatment of uncertainties in transitions. It looks at the discussions around the concept of uncertainty in transitions research and discusses the adoption of exploratory modelling – as an emerging computational approach for coping with uncertainties – to transitions. The book examines the role of model and modelling in social sciences, in particular the role of agent-based models. It investigates normative explorative planning in transitions research under uncertainty and analyses an extensive analytical review of participatory modelling in sustainability transitions research.
