Mattias Näsman's research focuses on how historical actors and processes have raised barriers to or facilitated transitions of economies and societies toward sustainability.
Mattia's research uses history as a lens to answer questions about the ongoing green transition. Can we govern transitions, and if so, can we govern to accelerate transitions? How do various actors influence and how are they influenced by the different transition trajectories?
In his thesis, Mattias specifically explored the origin and development of Swedish and international emission standards for passenger cars, 1960-1990. In a conjuncture of politics, business, technology, and environmental science, the thesis studies the drawn out process towards modern exhaust emission control. The purpose is to provide with historical perspectives on lines of conflict that have emerged and are still present today between lawmakers and the auto industry, in attempts to develop cleaner cars. The hope is that this research in the end will have bearing on understanding the problems associated with attempts to achieve a sustainable transition of private transport.
Mattias holds a master's degree in economic history and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Umeå University.
Before Mattias started working with his thesis, he wrote a report on the evolution and political implication of personal assistance in Sweden.