transitie

Transitie is a Dutch noun meaning a process of changing from one state to another. In Dutch, it is used across domains to describe broad, often long-term changes in systems, structures, or practices. The word derives from the Latin transitus, through French and English into Dutch, and shares roots with the English term transition.

In public policy and planning, transitie denotes large-scale transformations. Common contexts include the energy transition (energietransitie), which seeks to move from fossil fuels to sustainable energy through decarbonization, electrification, grid modernization, and energy storage; the demographic transition, which describes shifts in birth rates, death rates, and age structure accompanying development; political transitions, referring to changes in governance or regime; and organizational or technological transitions within firms and institutions.

Transities can involve multiple interdependent changes and require coordination among actors, institutions, and markets. They often face technical, economic, social, and political challenges, including capital costs, infrastructure needs, regulatory reform, and public acceptance. The concept of a just transition emphasizes protecting workers and communities affected by the shift to a low-carbon or otherwise transformative economy.

Measuring a transitie typically involves scenario analysis, indicators on emissions, energy mix, employment, and governance processes, as well as monitoring milestones and policy outcomes. The term is widely used in Dutch language discourse and is employed to describe transitions in various sectors, from energy and mobility to demographics and governance.