Trajectories and turning points: Objects of intermediation for generalisation

We introduce generalisation as an intermediated trajectory to explain how system innovations, like alternative food systems, diffuse. While existing literature on diffusion and scaling focuses on human agency and steady progression, we propose a relational, object-oriented approach that highlights the role of situated intermediation punctuating/disrupting trajectories of generalisation. We identify four key objects of intermediation—knowledge, value(s), infrastructures, and rules—and demonstrate their role in reconfiguring actor networks and redirecting transformative trajectories. Through three empirical cases (natural wine, sustainable apiculture, and participatory research in France), we demonstrate how intermediation around these objects resolves challenges (interdependencies, uncertainties, complexities, controversies) and creates turning points that redirect transformative pathways. Our framework integrates the trajectory-turning point model to identify four conditions for transformative change: stability, resistance, identity transformation, and role commitment. Findings reveal that generalisation is dynamic and intermediated, whereby objects and actors collaboratively reconfigure networks, institutional contexts, and innovation objectives. The original contribution of this meso-level perspective lies in theorising generalisation as an intermediated trajectory, emphasising the material and relational work of objects alongside human agency. This reframing advances transition studies and innovation policy research by shifting focus from diffusion mechanisms to the situated, iterative processes that enable systems transformation. • Generalisation is understood as a process of moving from one situation of socio-technical configuration to another. • Values, rules and infrastructures are intermediaries of generalisation, along with knowledge. • Multiple, situated intermediations provide the conditions for turning points to emerge in transformative trajectories. • Micro-level situated intermediations can result in meso-level generalisation of system innovations.