Insights into a sustainable transition of the traditional manufacturing sector

The decline and transformation of the Australian manufacturing sector has been well documented. Fundamental to this transformation are the challenges of a changing social, political, economic and environmental future in response to climate change, global competition and limits to finite resources. However, addressing these concerns within current economic frameworks continues to fall short of the long term vision needed to reshape the way industries are configured towards a sustainable economy. Nevertheless, manufacturing firms in the traditional construction, chemical, heavy engineering, machining and metal industries are beginning to acknowledge the need to change and embrace innovative and sustainable operations. This empirical study aims to contribute to the literature on sustainable transitions by examining the nature and course of these transitions. This article identifies and examines the attributes of a sustainable transition for 24 firms in traditional manufacturing settings. This article will specifically highlight the application of two conceptual approaches - Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainability Transitions. These theoretical building blocks and practical design considerations provide a starting point for policy makers and manufacturing firms seeking to stimulate transformative change.