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• Transition dynamics and agency are insufficiently considered in sectors with complex configurational set-ups. • We introduce the concept of the contestation axis. • Considerable agency can play out along other axes than the typical niche-regime axis. • We analyze contestation axes in the waste sector in Denmark. • Circular economy visions trigger agentic processes between multiple socio-technical configurations. Research in sustainability transitions increasingly acknowledges that the structural characteristics of socio-technical systems differ. However, little attention has been paid to the specific transition dynamics that can result from this structural variation. In response, this paper develops a framework for studying transition dynamics that takes the structural characteristics of socio-technical systems and their influence on agency into account. We introduce the concept contestation axis to highlight alternative potential interfaces between functional solutions in a socio-technical system. We argue that considerable agency and frictions between actors can play out at other axes than between established regimes and emerging niches. Our conceptual framework is applied to a case study in the waste sector. We explore how the growing influence of the circular economy triggers misalignment between multiple socio-technical configurations in the Danish waste sector. In the case, we zoom in on three actual frictions that have manifested along different contestation axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essential feature associated with the rise of the knowledge economy has been the increasing focus on the importance of human capital as a precondition for economic growth. Human capital has been found to have a positive impact on the economic growth of high-tech industries, however, the influence of human capital on the development of low-tech industries is yet to be analysed. This paper provides such an examination of low-tech industries based on an analysis of employment data within manufacturing industries in Denmark in the period 1993- 2006. The findings highlight, first, that human capital appears to be equally important for economic development in low-tech industries and, second, that the divide between the large urban regions, especially Copenhagen, and the rest of the country plays the primary role in explaining the geography of human capital. These findings stress the relevance of a broad conception of the knowledge economy which goes beyond high-tech industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a consequence of the ongoing reduction of the stratospheric ozone layer, the vegetation is exposed to increasing levels of UV-B radiation (280–820 nm). In addition ozone in the troposphere is a pollutant and also capable of affecting the photosynthetic machinery. In this study, 5-year-old European beech trees were exposed from 1 July to October 1993 to two levels of UV-B radiation and two levels of ozone, alone and in combination, in open-top chambers equipped with lamps. The simulated UV-B levels corresponded to either clear sky ambient level or a 14% decrease in the stratospheric ozone column over eastern Denmark, resulting in a 23% difference in biologically effective UV-B (UV-BBE) irradiance. The maximum UV-BBE given was 8.61 kJ m-2 day-1. The ozone levels were either the ambient (average 32 nl l-1) or ambient with ozone addition (average resulting concentration 71 nl l-1). Compared to the control treatment (ambient UV-B, ambient O3) the elevated levels of UV-B and O3 affected the trees negatively, expressed as declines in net photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and acceleration of senescence, measured as yellowing of the leaves. The UV-B treatment induced stomatal closure before the other treatments did. The magnitude of the decreases in Pn and Fv/Fm occurred in the order: control < UV-B < O3 < UV-B and O3. Compared to the control, the combination treatment with high levels accelerated the visual senescence processes by ca 27 days, while for high LTV -13 and O3 alone, there was an acceleration by 14 and 21 days, respectively. UV-B and O3 in combination enhanced the negative effects compared with UV-B and O3 alone. The Pn and Fv/Fm results could be related to this acceleration process. The chamber effect was investigated by comparing the control plots with a plot without open-top chamber. The trees in the chambers showed a higher Pn and Fv/Fm and a 14-day delayed senescence compared to the trees outside, probably caused by higher temperatures, a more protected environment and altered conditions inside the chambers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]