Securing the future: Analysing the protein transition in Singapore.

The paper develops an operational approach, adapting elements of Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), Technological Innovation System (TIS) and Social Practice Theory (SPT), to examine the influence of key factors driving and hindering the transition to an alternative-protein food system in Singapore. The results of the analysis are that landscape factors such as climate change, food security and COVID-19 are exerting pressure on the food production regime, creating opportunities for alternative-protein niches to break through. Political actors in Singapore respond favourably through establishing the target to produce 30 % of Singapore's food needs locally by 2030. Governmental strategies are targeted at nurturing the niches, protecting them from the selection pressures embedded in the regime. As an agricultural-neutral city-state, local meat producers possess little power to resist. However, governmental strategies exhibit insufficient attention paid to the intersection between regime and consumer practices. Subsequently, regime rules remain largely intact, providing little impetus for local food processing companies or consumers to adopt alternative proteins. Moreover, legitimation bestowed by the political actors is nascent and hence, the strength of the innovation system, while demonstrating huge growth potential, is in its infancy stage. Consequently, the niches are underdeveloped to destabilise the regime or close the gaps in the regime created by landscape factors. Hence, a 'Transformation Pathway' is currently happening as moderate landscape pressure is occurring at a time when niche innovations are underdeveloped with little adjustments observed in the regime. Niches are exhibiting symbiotic relationships with the regime as they are increasingly adopted into the regime. • In Singapore, governmental strategies are targeted at nurturing niches in the food transition. • Moderate landscape pressure is occurring when niche innovations are underdeveloped. • Niches are exhibiting symbiotic relationships with the regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]