Manual: How to enhance co-creation between local authorities and local actors in building sustainable future at local level?

Societal transitions are complex, non-linear, and long-term processes of societal change. Transition management seeks – instead of optimising existing systems – to anticipate transitions, and to accelerate and guide the types of emerging changes that could contribute to transitions with desired outcomes. (Notermans, von Wirth, Loorbach 2022).

We make transition! project adapted the ‘Transition Arena’ workshop method in a practical way to promote interaction, co-creation and transformative cooperation between local/regional authorities and civil society, business and other small local actors. We make transition! implemented local transition arena processes in 12 locations around the Baltic Sea Region. Each transition arena had a unique sustainability topic that was chosen and framed based on the local interests and cooperation needs.

Read more from the WMT! manual

The key elements of the transition arena method and the learnings from the We make transition! project are combined into a manual. The manual underlines the high value of interactive processes that help break the silos and involve all levels of society. It provides practical advice to local authorities and any other interested actors on how to utilise the transition management approach to enhance common understanding, dive into systemic challenges, reduce polarisation and go beyond business-as-usual in public governance.

Manual on the practical use of Transition Arena method

Read more about transition arena principles and learnings from the We make transition!

Presentation: The principles of transition arena and learnings from the We make transition! project

Presentation at the We make transition! Steering Committee meeting, October 2025

Programme Manual Online

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