Implementing sustainability transitions at the city level: the doughnut in Amsterdam

• The Doughnut model has potential to advance urban sustainability transitions. • Amsterdam applied Doughnut Economics to guide city-level sustainability approach. • More attention for rupture and cultural change can further improve the transition. • Amsterdam offers pratical lessons for cities pursuing sustainability transitions. Like many cities worldwide, Amsterdam has ambitious plans around sustainability transitions. The city has oriented towards an alternative economic development model called “Doughnut Economics” and has attempted to implement ideas from the work of economist Kate Raworth on the ground through a “Doughnut Strategy” and the Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition. This paper explores the evolution of Amsterdam’s doughnut efforts through a qualitative case study conducted from 2022–2023. Based on insights from this unique case, it explores to what extent the doughnut model can help cities undertake sustainability transitions, and which elements of transitions are indeed present (or lacking) in the Amsterdam doughnut approach to date. Whilst there were several positive lessons emerging from our case study involving those working on the ground to implement the Doughnut Strategy, our research found particular transition elements difficult to implement, especially those requiring culture change and system ruptures. Targeted solutions to these challenges can unlock the approach’s full potential to foster holistic city-level transition.