Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines how far the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) approach can produce a valid analysis of the situation and whether transition management (TM) as related policy design models can be applied to a non-OECD country, exemplified by the particular governance situation of hydrocarbons-wealthy Arab states. The macro-level of the MLP is the socio-technical landscape forming an exogenous environment that usually changes slowly and influences niches and regime dynamics. Landscape-level developments are key variables that cannot be influenced by particular inner-systemic actors. In terms of national energy policy, such developments are regional socio-economic or political developments such as oil prices or European Union (EU) regulation, but can also include more material issues such as wars or climate change. Multi-level governance theory aims to provide an analytical tool to capture socio-technical transitions.