The future is present: Prefiguration in policy and technology experimentation

Abstract

The article adds to the theorisation of temporality within sustainability transitions by introducing the concept of prefiguration. Through two transport-related case studies, one technology experiment and one policy experiment, the article shows how prefiguration might elucidate the temporal aspects of experimentation. By employing the conceptual pair of ends-guided and ends-effacing prefiguration, the article shows how the future-orientation characterising much technology experimentation allows for the indeterminate deferment of politics, whereas experiments focusing on present-day transformations must contend with politics from the outset. As such, technology experiments are characterised by a temporal buffer which allows them to elicit considerable support without engaging with possible issues or contestations. In conclusion, the article suggests that more attention should be paid to experiments that practice ends-effacing prefiguration, as to better understand their characteristics and their capability to successfully facilitate meaningful sociotechnical change.