From Neglect to Resonance? — The Twin Transition and Luhmann’s Legacy

Luhmann’s theory of ecological communication examines how modern society addresses climate and ecological challenges through its functionally differentiated structure. Even though the functionally differentiation enables society to manage complexity, it also leads to challenges in addressing cross-cutting issues like climate and ecological concerns. This has resulted in the neglect of such problems, as no single subsystem, neither functional nor organizational systems, is equipped to address ecological concerns comprehensively. Luhmann suggests that society’s response to ecological challenges depends on the ability of these subsystems to adapt their communication processes to resonate with ecological considerations. The article highlights the importance of the reflective capacity, linked to Luhmann’s concept of observation, semantics and communication. It discusses if the Twin Transition, since Luhmann passed away, has changed the recurrent criticism about modern society’s neglect, and what it means for organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The article finds that important issues related to observation, reflection and semantics have changed, but the theme regarding neglect is still relevant. The article also discusses an intervention strategy based on a digital learning platform and engaged scholarship in a regional polycentric network. The article finds that it demonstrates potential regional impact on inclusion of challenged SMEs, but to achieve broader European effects, such initiatives must, however, be scaled up and tailored to the specific contexts across Europe.