From sectoral to integrative action situations: a systemic and spatial integration perspective on the energy transition

Beau Warbroek1, Bunyod Holmatov2,  Joanne Vinke de Kruijf1, Maarten Arentsen2, Andre Doree1 1 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Twente    2 Department of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM), University of Twente The energy transition requires space. In a densely populated country like the Netherlands, space in terms of land is scarce and already serves many important functions. This requires using space efficiently by integrating the energy transition with existing or emerging challenges, such as climate adaptation and circular agriculture. Institutional arrangements have a significant influence on the potential for integration. In this paper, the institutional challenges of spatial integration are presented using answers from fourteen semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the eastern Netherlands. Next, we explore how the institutional analysis and development framework (IAD) and the network of adjacent action situations (NAAS) concepts can assist in facilitating the on the ground spatial integration. Bridging the gap of going from a silo-based, sectoral use of space towards an integrative use involves adjustment of rules (e.g. new ideas on project scope, positions of actors), shaping new attributes of community (e.g. new coalitions of actors, networks) and new evaluative criteria for processes of interaction.