Policy complexity and the green transformation of the economies as an emergent system property

This paper brings together recent conceptual and empirical contributions, to provide new analytical foundations of systemic public policies for the transition towards the green economy. In particular, by acknowledging the inherent complexity of system dynamics, the paper argues that the green transformation of the economies can be conceptualized as the outcome of an emergent system property. In this context, the paper highlights the difficulties related to the development of an integrated framework of policy instruments and the necessity to take into account their mutual interaction in the effort of favoring sustainable transition. Some examples of possible contrasting effects between policies that are crucial for sustaining the transition towards the green economy: innovation policy, environmental and energy policies, and labor policies are discussed. Finally, the paper elaborates on the concept of Green Transition System, suggesting the importance of activating learning and adaptive mechanisms involving private agents, stakeholders, policy makers and scholars interested and involved in the transition process. © 2015, Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies and Springer Japan.