How institutions change– or don’'t

It is often said that institutions play a central role in fostering development. And when major challenges such as climate change occur, institutions are expected to respond and adapt. But how and when do institutions actually change? And if they don't change, then why not?

This DIIS working paper provides an overview of selected theories of institutional change. It has a particular emphasis on approaches that can be used to understand how and why local institutions respond to climate change. This includes concepts such as path dependency, gradual institutional change and institutional bricolage.

The working paper has been produced under the Climate Change and Rural Institutions research programme. For more information, please contact the programme coordinator Ian Christoplos.