Research Topics
Members of the Social Tipping Network work across a broad range of research areas related to social tipping dynamics and transformative change. These include:
- Social tipping dynamics in climate and sustainability transitions
- Behavioural change and the role of social norms
- Transformations in technology, the economy and financial systems
- Governance, policy shifts and institutional change
- Computational and data-driven modelling of complex adaptive social systems
- Interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability transitions
Bringing these different perspectives together allows the network to exchange ideas, showcase ongoing projects, explore connections across disciplines and develop new research collaborations.
What are social tipping dynamics?
Social tipping dynamics describe situations in which small changes can lead to much larger shifts across society. A new social norm, a policy change or a change in public attitudes can sometimes trigger rapid and far-reaching transformations.
Understanding these dynamics is particularly important in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems. Meeting these challenges often requires societies to change quickly and at scale.
Researchers studying social tipping dynamics explore how people, communities, organisations and institutions influence societal change. They examine the role of social networks, collective behaviour, social norms, markets, financial systems, governance structures and public policies in shaping transformative change.
Objectives of the network
The Social Tipping Network aims to:
- Connect researchers working on social tipping dynamics across disciplines
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange to facilitate rigorous scientific inquiry
- Share research findings, draw on scattered empirical evidence and methodological advancements regarding social tipping dynamics
- Support early-career researchers in the field
- Strengthen the link between scientific insights and societal impact, including actionable policy insights
What do network members work on?
Members of the Social Tipping Network are involved in research and practice across a range of topics, including:
- Social tipping dynamics in climate and sustainability transitions
- Behavioural change and the role of social norms
- Transformations in technology, the economy and financial systems
- Governance, policy shifts and institutional change
- Computational and data-driven modelling of complex adaptive social systems
- Interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability transitions
The network provides a platform to showcase ongoing projects, exchange ideas, and develop new collaborations.