Moving beyond disruptive innovation: A review of disruption in sustainability transitions

Highlights

• A systematic review of disruption in transitions literature was conducted.

• Four non-technical dimensions of disruption were identified.

• Behaviour, practices and cultural models was found as a new dimension of disruption.

• Selected other literatures were used to elaborate dimensions of disruption.

• Consequences and limitations of disruption as a concept are discussed.

Abstract

Because of the urgency of accelerating transitions, we examine the emerging understanding of the concept of ‘disruption’ in the context of sustainability transition studies to critically assess its value, pitfalls and potentials. By conducting a qualitative systematic review of 47 articles, we analyse how disruption is seen in this literature and what is being disrupted. We identify four non-technical dimensions of disruption, adding ‘behaviour, practices and cultural models’ to previously suggested dimensions, i.e., markets and business models, regulations and policy, and actors and networks. We summarise what the literature identifies as disruption in transitions and draw on other literatures (e.g. social practice theory and institutional theory) to elaborate the dimensions of disruption. We provide a new definition of disruption in sociotechnical transitions, with focus on both speed and magnitude of change. We end by highlighting the importance of disruptive practices and low-tech solutions alongside disruptive technologies and policies.