Need for transformative change – Part 1

July 2024

Increasingly, we talk about the need to move beyond piecemeal action to transformative change to meet the challenges of the future. But what exactly does it mean and why is it so important?

In a series of blog posts on transformative change, we highlight - sometimes provocatively - aspects to stimulate debate and thinking beyond the usual lines of thought. In this sense, the blog posts are not necessarily balanced and do not attempt to cover all perspectives and possible futures.

What is transformative change?

Transformative change is a deliberate, strategic initiative designed to bring about profound and lasting change in a system, organisation, community or individual. Unlike incremental improvements or minor adjustments, transformative changes aim to redefine the status quo and create profound shifts. They challenge existing paradigms and open up new possibilities. They are bold, innovative and often involve a fundamental rethinking of existing processes, behaviours or systems.

Characteristics of transformative change include

• Visionary thinking: It all begins with a clear and compelling vision of what the future might look like. This vision acts as a guiding star, inspiring individuals and organisations to strive for something greater than their current reality.

• Radical change: Transformations are about making significant changes that can alter the entire trajectory of a system or situation and not about tinkering around the edges.

Why do we need transformative change?

Europe is expected to face some big changes in the next few decades. We will probably focus more on being more competitive globally, on digital technology, green energy, defence and security, and on making our economies more independent. We will also have to adapt to climate change and make changes to our social security systems. These changes aim to make Europe fit for the future. They will require big changes in policies, investments and support. The changes will be too big to be managed by small changes. We need to think and act big.