@article{6ae26c0e-dae5-49c7-a539-39a71f6a7c91,
  abstract     = {{<p>Although transitions literature provides ample evidence of how transformative innovations like renewable energies, regenerative agriculture, or multi-modal mobility systems emerge, it offers limited insight into the mechanisms that enable their spatial diffusion. We address this gap by exploring templating, a crucial yet under-theorized pathway through which actors can actively foster the spatial diffusion of transformative innovations. We conceptualize templating as a set of activities through which actors create blueprints, best practices, and standards that provide well-aligned guidance on the implementation of transformative innovations across multiple dimensions (technical, organizational, institutional). Our conceptualization of templating is informed by an in-depth single case study focusing on the increasing diffusion of onsite water reuse systems (ONWS) across the United States. Based on 23 expert interviews and a review of secondary literature, we examine how San Francisco’s public utility established a network of public agencies that subsequently orchestrated a templating process by identifying necessary template elements and mobilizing collaborators capable of developing and showcasing them. We argue that templating is a highly relevant strategy for diffusing complex innovations, with the potential to considerably accelerate sustainability transitions.</p>}},
  author       = {{Lesch, Djamila and Miorner, Johan and Binz, Christian}},
  issn         = {{2210-4224}},
  keywords     = {{Configurational template; Spatial diffusion; Transformative innovation; Water management}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Elsevier}},
  series       = {{Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions}},
  title        = {{Diffusing transformative innovations through templating – The case of onsite water reuse in the United States}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2026.101170}},
  doi          = {{10.1016/j.eist.2026.101170}},
  volume       = {{61}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}