Governance in the process of regional transition: an evaluation of decentralization models

Abstract

The purpose of this concept paper is to address the role of governance in the process of regional transition, by analyzing the concept of transition and its implications for regional sustainability, and highlighting their socio-technical, institutional, and governance dimensions. This study is based on the selected review of the literature providing insights into sustainability transitions, regional development, and decentralization. Transition is a long-term, multidimensional shift shaped by innovation, societal pressures, and governance structures. Regional transitions integrate development and sustainability agendas but often face barriers such as technocratic bias, limited social participation, and misaligned public finance. Decentralization models ‒ political, fiscal, and administrative ‒ shape how regions navigate these transitions. The study synthesizes transition theory with regional development and decentralization frameworks, offering an integrated perspective on how governance arrangements influence sustainable regional transformation.