Question 1

What is the correct definition of the term, "intermediaries?"

Accepted Answer

Intermediaries are individuals or organizations that connect or transfer knowledge between two or more actors. They act as middlemen, helping to bridge the gap between different parties and facilitating communication and exchange. Option A refers to a broader concept of change management, while Option C specifically pertains to green innovation systems and policy solutions.

Question 2

Which of the following are not actors that interact between niches and regimes?

Accepted Answer

Both policy makers and corporate stockholders are primarily associated with specific regimes rather than interacting between niches and regimes. Innovation intermediaries, on the other hand, actively work to bridge the gap between niches and regimes by facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration between diverse actors.

Question 3

Environmental champions play a very important role in linking sustainable behavior to organizational sustainability changes?

Accepted Answer

Environmental champions are individuals who are passionate and committed to promoting sustainable behavior within their organization. They play a crucial role in encouraging their colleagues to adopt environmentally-friendly practices and in advocating for more sustainable organizational policies and strategies. By linking individual behavior to broader sustainability changes within the organization, environmental champions help create a culture of sustainability that can lead to lasting environmental impact.

Question 4

Which of the following are general functions or activities of environmental champions?

Accepted Answer

Environmental champions are responsible for identifying important sustainability issues that may not be related to the organization, conducting research to determine possible solutions, and presenting new alternatives or plans to leadership within the organization. Therefore, all of the above options are general functions or activities of environmental champions.

Question 5

Policy entrepreneurs are defined as:

Accepted Answer

Policy entrepreneurs are individuals who use their resources and strategies to effect change in government or governance. They may be elected or non-elected officials who work to achieve their desired outcomes through various means, such as lobbying or advocacy. Option A and B describe specific roles within a larger definition of policy entrepreneurship.

Question 6

Policy entrepreneurs can play as many roles as needed in all of the regime subsystems

Accepted Answer

The answer of Policy entrepreneurs can play as many roles...

Question 7

Boundary spanners…

Accepted Answer

Boundary spanners are individuals or groups that link organizations to their external environment, including stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and regulators. They play a critical role in sustainability transitions by facilitating collaboration and communication between different actors and ensuring that the needs and perspectives of different stakeholders are taken into account. B, C, and D are incorrect choices as they do not accurately describe the role or function of boundary spanners in sustainability transitions.

Question 8

Climate and sustainability problems can be linked across governance scales by ______?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Climate and sustainability problems can be linked...

Question 9

Which of the following are examples of sustainability-oriented innovation intermediaries?

Accepted Answer

All of the given options - Science parks, Incubator centers, Universities, and Accelerator centers - can serve as sustainability-oriented innovation intermediaries. These intermediaries often act as platforms for connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors, and offer various resources and support services to help them develop and scale up sustainable innovations. For instance, universities may provide research expertise and funding opportunities, while accelerator centers may offer mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs.

Question 10

Innovation intermediaries have a series of functions in promoting sustainable ideas and technologies. Which of the following is not one of these functions?

Accepted Answer

While innovation intermediaries may have a role in informing policy, they are not primarily focused on shaping federal level policies related to national security. Their main functions are to support the development and diffusion of sustainable ideas and technologies, typically at a local or regional level.

Question 11

What is the correct order that incubators work in sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

The correct order for incubators to work in sustainable development is to first generate ideas, then develop innovations based on these ideas, and finally build a sustainable business around these innovations. Therefore, the correct order is Ideas -> Innovations -> Business. Choice B correctly follows this order.

Question 12

Policy entrepreneurs are regime actors

Accepted Answer

Policy entrepreneurs are defined as individuals or groups who actively promote changes to public policy. As such, they are considered regime actors who participate in shaping the policy-making process.

Question 13

In linking the niche to the regime, innovation intermediaries are crucial for…

Accepted Answer

Innovation intermediaries are critical in linking the niche to the regime. They help niche actors transform innovation processes into green job creation and triple-bottom-line economic development, promoting economic and social sustainability. They do this by facilitating partnerships and networks, providing necessary resources, and offering tailored support and guidance to niche actors. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Options A, B, and D are either incomplete or irrelevant.

Question 14

To create change towards sustainability, the regime needs…

Accepted Answer

A more favorable policy mix for green innovation and triple-bottom-line economic development is crucial for creating change towards sustainability. This would encourage the development and adoption of sustainable technologies and practices, while also promoting economic growth in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. Fewer policy entrepreneurs and remaining strict on technology development may hinder progress towards sustainability, while more landscape experiments may be helpful but not sufficient on their own.

Question 15

Sustainability professionals can be champions, policy entrepreneurs, or boundary spanners?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability professionals can serve as champions by advocating for sustainability initiatives and promoting sustainable practices within their organization. They can also act as policy entrepreneurs by developing new policies and programs to promote sustainability. Additionally, they can serve as boundary spanners by connecting different stakeholders and resources to work towards shared sustainability goals.

Question 16

Functions of universities in creating change in society include:

Accepted Answer

Universities play a vital role in creating change in society, and they do so by fulfilling several functions, as mentioned in options A, B, C, and D. Universities produce new knowledge through research and development, focus on solving problems with private or public benefits, share their findings through education and outreach, and generate solutions to issues in society. These functions are interconnected and work together to drive positive societal change.

Question 17

Which state underwent a significant green energy transition after the 2008 recession?

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts underwent a significant green energy transition after the 2008 recession, implementing policies such as the Green Communities Act and increasing its renewable energy target to 25% by 2030.

Question 18

It is impossible to reduce carbon emissions while increasing GDP

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. While economic growth often coincides with increased carbon emissions, it is possible to reduce emissions while still experiencing economic growth. This can be achieved through the development of renewable energy sources, improvements in energy efficiency, and other sustainable practices. In fact, many countries and businesses are actively pursuing strategies to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions.

Question 19

Which powerful regime actor(s) in the U.S. inhibited a national sustainability transition?

Accepted Answer

Both the car industry and the oil and gas industry have been very powerful in inhibiting a national sustainability transition. The car industry has resisted fuel efficiency standards and electric car incentives, while the oil and gas industry has actively lobbied against renewable energy and carbon pricing policies. Both of these industries have significant influence over government policy-making and have used this power to oppose sustainability initiatives.

Question 20

Firms commonly use ___ innovations to defend the existing regime:

Accepted Answer

Firms commonly use incremental innovations to defend the existing regime because these types of innovations build upon their current products or services, making minor improvements or additions that keep customers satisfied and prevent them from switching to competitors. Radical innovations, on the other hand, often disrupt the existing regime and can be riskier for firms to pursue. Short-term innovations and irrelevant innovations are not effective in defending the existing regime.

Quiz 6: Intermediaries for Sustainability Transitions