Take a moment to recognise the lenses shaping the way you see things
Who, in your context, has the capacity, resources, and authority to make things happen?
Who, on the contrary, is relegated from this?

Power is a polysemic concept, meaning its definition varies, and there is no universal consensus. However, scholars agree that the best way to study power is by relating it to a specific context (Avelino et al., 2023). In general, power can be defined as “the capacity of actors to mobilise means to achieve ends” (Avelino, 2021).

This implies that if someone has the capacity to act, someone else lacks it. Recognizing this imbalance is crucial for transformative change.

What you will achieve with this tool?

Recognise dimensions of power (over, to and with) achokledwing power with as a key leveravge for transformative change.

Get inspired by: Cooperative organisation models for renewable energy in Germany (REC)

In fourteen years, the number of energy cooperatives in Germany grew from 8 to 896 (DGRV, 2021; as cited in Avelino et al., 2023). Despite intense lobbying by traditional energy suppliers -especially during 2012–2014- cooperatives leveraged their non-hierarchical governance, access to knowledge and technology, and collaboration with NGOs, investment funds, and research institutes. These alliances enabled them to withstand pressure from large companies and maintain tendering obligations, even if only partially. This illustrates how “collaboration and association can counterbalance dominant actors longholding power.

Explore how to take action

Remember, this is an inspiration guide (not a recipe) to help you decide what will be most transformative for your context. Every context is unique!

1
STEP 1 Identify the three dimensions of power (Avelino et al., 2023; Geus et al., 2023) Read more
2
STEP 2 Map power dynamics in your context Read more
3
STEP 3 Design a comprehensive strategy to activate “Power With” Read more
4
STEP 4 Go beyond your local context and build translocal networks (Loorbach, et al 2020) Read more
5
STEP 5 Facilitate knowledge sharing Read more
6
STEP 6 Lobbying together. Coordinate efforts to contest dominant power and narratives, redistribute pressure, and advocate for regulatory shifts.
7
STEP 7 Embed empowerment as a goal. Ensure collaboration processes allow participants to make their own decisions and shape the pathways they are fighting for Read more

With whom and for whom are you transforming?

Cooperatives
Research institutes
Translocal networks

How do you make sure that actors who gain "power with" do not fall into "power over"?                                            

Power is multidimensional, and the overlap between its forms means there is always a risk that collaborative power (power with) can shift into domination (power over). Keeping an active and continuous reflection on this risk is essential.

Bulgaria

References

Avelino, F., Hielscher, S., Strumińska-Kutra, M., De Geus, T., Widdel, L., Wittmayer, J., Dańkowska, A., Dembek, A., Fraaije, M., Heidary, J., Iskandarova, M., Rogge, K., Stasik, A., & Crudi, F. (2023). Power to, over and with: Exploring power dynamics in social innovations in energy transitions across Europe. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 48, 100758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2023.100758


Avelino, F., 2021. Theories of power and social change. Power contestations and their implications for research on social change and innovation. J. Polit. Power 14, 

425–448. https://doi.org/10.1080/2158379X.2021.1875307


Loorbach, D., Wittmayer, J., Avelino, F., von Wirth, T., Frantzeskaki, N., 2020. Transformative innovation and translocal diffusion. Environ. Innov. Soc. Transit. 35, 

251–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2020.01.009