Modeling the evolution of community structure by the dynamic network analysis: Sustainability transition in Kyoto Eco-School Districts, Japan

• A research model is proposed to explore dynamic network metrics and interplay between local agencies. • A three-stage evolution of the local network is concluded, presenting incremental change towards an expanding, decentralized community structure. • Collaboration patterns and dynamics reflect evolving strategic alliances that play different roles throughout the process. • Structural changes in the network are shaped by external events and policy interventions. • The Kyoto case provides implications to policies on local institutionalization of sustainable practices. Sustainability transition increasingly relies on local institutional settings and community-based efforts where local agencies play pivotal roles. A significant gap lies in understanding the dynamic interplay among community-based organizations over time that shape evolving strategic collaborations in different stages to drive local institutional change. This study adopts a dynamic network approach to map the evolving community structure, identify key organizations, and detect collaboration patterns among local actors by the case study of Kyoto, Japan. Furthermore, it explores the influence of significant events and policies on the network evolution. The study uncovers three main findings. Firstly, a three-stage evolution of the local network is concluded that presents incremental change towards an expanding, decentralized community structure, forming collaborative governance. Secondly, five collaboration patterns and their dynamics are revealed, reflecting evolving strategic alliances that play different roles in leveraging resources throughout the process. Thirdly, the effects of policies and events on the network are well reflected and explained through matching the time series data. The Kyoto case uncovers hidden community dynamics that illuminate local pathways to sustainable practices, offering guidance for policymaking and practices that resonate more broadly with globally relevant contexts.