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Short abstract:

This paper examines biases in the German sustainability discourse and explores discontinuities and awakenings in sustainable systems with a focus on the night train in Germany. It explores the vocabulary of and the meaning attached to sustainability in order to unveil organisational strategies.

Long abstract:

The core premise of sustainability transitions is the transition from unsustainable to sustainable systems, which is characterised by the destabilisation of existing structures. While the "flipside of transition and innovation" underscores the phasing-out of unsustainable systems, understanding why and how organisations destabilise ostensibly sustainable systems remains a gap. Thus, this study explores how strategic decisions for the discontinuation of operations interact with system level resilience. This study seeks to position the destabilisation and revival of sustainable systems within the socio-technical contexts in which they unfold. Analysing the discontinuation of the German night train as a prescient case for this purpose, the overarching aim is to provide insights into the dynamic nature of sustainability and its impact on strategic decision-making. Drawing from German transition studies literature, various academic fields, newspapers, and policy documents, the study delves into the circulation of sustainability discourse. Focusing on the use of narratives to justify sustainability strategies, it examines how organisations manage discontinuations. The research unravels the historical development of sustainability discourse and develops a specific German vocabulary, shedding light on the complex relationships between language, meaning, and strategic decision-making in sustainability transitions. Addressing the central theme of the interplay between stability and change, the study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics involved. By unravelling the complexity of sustainability and adaptability in organisational strategies, I contribute to broader debates on sustainability transitions and resilience in the face of discontinuity and change.