The focus of this research is to do modelling and simulating transformative change.

Aim
This research aims to use the construction and simulation of agent-based models to develop and explore causal narratives of transformative change or lack thereof. It combines in-depth empirical research with agent-or relation-based modelling to develop empirically-stylized models for theorizing transformative change (Schlüter et al. 2025a). The co-construction of the models in close interaction with qualitative empirical, place-based research is as much part of the process of discovering what may bring about an outcome and how, as are explorations of complex dynamics with the resulting simulation model.

Theoretical Frameworks
We are working with frameworks that are rooted in complex adaptive systems thinking and agent-based modelling such as the SE-AS framework (Schlüter et al. 2019). We are also working with framework and theories that are rooted in process-relational philosophies such as the apparatus and assemblages and relation-based modelling (Schlüter et al. 2025b). The modeling processes target questions about the emergence and interaction of narratives around Rights of Nature, the transformation of Chilean fisheries governance and the transformation of South African small holder food systems towards agroecology.

Methodological Approach
Review of key literature on transformation of different scientific communities and the IPBES transformative change assessment

Publications:

Schlüter, M., N. Wijermans, B. González-Mon, E. Lindkvist, K. Orach, H. Prawitz, R. Martin, R. Martínez-Peña, K. E. Pellowe, and U. Sanga. 2025. Navigating the space between empirics and theory – Empirically stylized modelling for theorising social-ecological phenomena. Environmental Modelling & Software 189:106444.

Schlüter, M., T. Hertz, A. Klein, and N. Wijermans. 2025b. Disentangling the entangled in productive ways: modelling social–ecological systems from a process-relational perspective. Sustainability Science.

Schlüter, M., L. Haider, S. Lade, E. Lindkvist, R. Martin, K. Orach, N. Wijermans, and C. Folke. 2019. Capturing emergent phenomena in social-ecological systems: an analytical framework. Ecology and Society 24(3).

Lead: Maja Schlüter

Collaborators: Maja Schlüter, Rodrigo Martinez, Kirill Orach, Gen Allen, Anil Singh