Abstract for: Participative modeling in transitions –Uncovering emerging insights

The demand by transition scholars for tools that foster the understanding of transition processes and engage stakeholders opens the door for system dynamics. So far, the literature on the value of participative system dynamics modeling in sustainability transitions is scarce. This study reflects on a series of six participative modeling workshops over two years to understand how iterative model development leads to learning about transition-characteristic phenomena and guides the real-world experimentation process. Two examples of model iterations show how the scale of transition relevant problems becomes clear and the scope of required interventions challenges participants' mental models. The proposed learning process requires the modeler to involve the model development participants iteratively and keep an open mind to identify missing feedback and incomplete mental structures.