A Tale of Two Conceptual Tools: Analysing leverage point tools in relation to a water utility’s circular economy transition

‘Design for Transitions’ (DfT) is a nascent and rapidly expanding field that intersects with systems and transitions theories and practices in order to address the “wicked systems” intrinsic to the ‘polycrisis’. We align with DfT and ‘systemic design’ calls to further integrate and deepen related approaches at the nexus of multiple disciplines. More specifically, we aim here to integrate and deepen: firstly, conceptualizations of ‘leverage points’ that overlap/cross-cut DfT and systemic design, and; secondly, the implications of such conceptualizations in relation to practice (e.g. a retrospective case of a regional Australian water utility’s circular economy transition). Taking as one starting point Meadows’s ‘leverage points’ framework, core to several design and systems approaches, we position another approach and model from Zivkovic. Through three analysis processes, we compare the conceptual tools then apply each to analyse the case. Our analysis reveals how each tool surfaces different system and intervention logics, and opportunities for enhancing a systems design approach with respect to the transition in focus. On the basis of our analysis, we discuss some benefits and limits of the two tools, which can contribute to theoretically and practically deepening DfT and systemic design. We highlight the possibility for future work in integrating the two tools together, potentially enabling a multi-dimensional understanding of system components, behaviours, underlying logics, relational fabrics within and outside of the system, and enhanced capacity for change.