Paper short abstract:

In this paper we present a practice-oriented evaluation framework, distinguishing four transformative capacities. This framework invites policy makers to reflect on the transformative potential of their practices in the context of a reflexive evaluation of Dutch national climate policy.

Paper long abstract:

Prevailing policies and governance in the Netherlands are directed at ‘greening’ existing practices, however, to achieve true sustainability, a deeper "system transformation" is needed, involving a re-evaluation of production and consumption patterns (de Coninck, 2022). However, progress towards a climate-neutral society by 2050 is hindered as current climate policies are fragmented across ministries, and there is an inherent risk that civil servants, whose practices are inextricably intertwined with the status quo, will inadvertently reproduce the system preventing reaching the 2050 goal. Recognizing this risk, it is proposed that a "double transformation" is required of both society and government, urging a comprehensive reassessment of policies, institutional structures, cultural values, and narratives both inside and outside government for lasting change.

In this paper we present a practice-oriented evaluation framework for government transformative capacities. The framework follows a practice-oriented approach, as practice theory acknowledges both institutional conditions in which participants operate as well as their agency to reform these conditions (Shove, 2010). The assessment framework suggests that for the government to effectively initiate and support transformative change, it should demonstrate four essential capacities: orchestrating-, adaptive-, system-innovating- and legitimizing capacity, translated to desired practices through associated actions and institutional conditions. In three inter ministerial case studies within climate policy, policy makers from four different ministries are invited to reflect on the transformative potential of their practices. This scholarly pursuit thus aims to achieve societal transformation from within the 'heart of the regime', by supporting exnovation of anti-transformative practices.