Chapter 8 The relationship between description and prescription in transition research M. Duineveld, R. Beunen, K. van Assche, R. During, R. van Ark Draft 12.06.2008 Abstract In this chapter we will elaborate upon the relationship between the analysis and representation of long term societal change as well as the recommendations for actual practices that are based on this analyses and representation. We argue that the promise of transition management as a strategic science to solve socio-political problems in our society is partly based on unrealistic theories and empirical misrepresentations. This is primarily due to the fact the descriptions of transitions have not always been accurately constructed. Within transition management, the Foucauldian conceptualization of power is still disregarded as an analytical tool for the production of ‘realistic’ representations of governance. The second reason is that there is, by definition, an inevitable gap between descriptions and prescriptions. We conclude that an amoral and realistic analysis of what is happening in actual practice is not only necessary for the (scientific) production of realistic representations of long term societal change but will also teach researchers and knowledge users to be realistic and therefore modest about their ability to ‘manage’ or direct their desired changes in society. Keywords: transition management, social engineering, power, Foucault, governance 1. The rise of strategic research Changes in society have lead to the call for scientific research to be useful for purposes other than purely academic ones. (Gibbons, 1994) Social and political relevance are considered to be just as important as scientific relevance. The rationale behind this is simple: scientific research needs funding. As a consequence of this researchers have to look for people and organisations who want to pay for their research and that they have to “sell” their results. This is not necessarily a negative phenomenon. In fact, it has occurred for as long as research exists. As a result, the marketing of research and its uses has become increasingly important and professional in recent years. It is not only the quality of research that is important, but also its image. To many people, policy research is considered to be of use if it helps to formulate more effective policies or if it strengthens the implementation of policies. Much of the present-day policy research is (co-)funded by governments. Policy research should therefore hold the promise of clear recommendations for effective policies. This forces scientists, chair groups and research institutes to explicitly present themselves as producers of strategic research and knowledge. (Ark, 2005, Hoppe, 2002, Tress et al., 2003, Ark, 2005, Loos et al., 2007, Spaapen et al., 2007) The popularity of strategic research, like transition management, can partly be explained by the promise it holds. For example, the promise that research on long-