Bridging Policy, Governance, and Transition Studies: My Eu-SPRI Circulation Experience
by Dr. Liu Shi
During my two-month Eu-SPRI Forum Early Career Researcher circulation at Utrecht University’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, I had the opportunity to refine and extend my research at the juncture of innovation, policy and transition studies.
My work, rooted in neo-institutionalist approaches, explores how political institutions and ideas shape state intervention and policy design for system transformation. This consists of two research projects undertaken at Fraunhofer ISI. The first project is a conceptual endeavor exploring the neglected role of polity in shaping the legitimacy and effectiveness of state in transformative policies in Western democracies. It seeks to provides a conceptual basis for future comparative, empirical work. The second project employs the discursive-institutionalism perspective to trace the ideational foundation and its interplay with material interests in the electric mobility policy in the UK and Germany. It seeks to contribute to transformative policy literature by bringing in the ideational and comparative political economy perspective and opening the black box of ideas and the ideational process in the context of system transformations.
Upon my exchange at Utrecht, the two projects were approaching accomplishment. The exchange was invaluable for sharpening research gaps, clarifying conceptual and theoretical linkages, and strengthening engagement with the transition studies community. Feedback from Utrecht colleagues helped bridge more closely theoretical frameworks and policy concerns, especially regarding the “comparative advantage” of multi-dimensional political institutions in transformative policies for socio-technical transitions, and the role of ideas versus material interests. I also benefited from active participation in the Eu-SPRI Conference in Dortmund and Mission-oriented Innovation Policy Observatory seminar series, which fostered new collaborations and provided insights into innovative teaching formats and career development strategies.
Besides, drawing from the highly eclectic research themes and perspectives at Utrecht, I also got to learn about relevant research conducted by scholars at the institute that related to my broader research interest in directionality of innovation, policy intervention for green and digital transitions, and the role of state in the global South. These exchanges and contacts helped bridge North-South perspectives and empirics and inspired future research ideas.
Looking ahead, the stay has laid the foundation for future joint research, publications and collaborative conference tracks. The experience has enriched both my academic development and the research profile of my home institution, Fraunhofer ISI, by broadening our engagement with transition studies and the inter-disciplinary research profiles. I encourage future circulation students to get connected and co-develop ideas, further strengthening the Eu-SPRI early career community.