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2025, Paper: "The complex adaptive dynamics of the Anthropocene give rise to multiple development pathways (i.e., development pathways defined by high birth rates and high death rates vs. development pathways defined by low birth rates and low death rates; development pathways based on fossil fuel energy systems vs. development pathways based on renewables). These alternate development pathways are structured not only by differences in the technologies and social practices that frequently define them, but more fundamentally by the institutions (rules, norms, culture, and beliefs) that set the terms of everyday decision-making, structure incentives, shape the human use of nature, and guide long term investments in technology, infrastructure, and innovation. Because many of today’s development pathways are substantially degrading nature and undermining intra- and inter-generational equity, the way forward requires not only adaptation but rather structural transformations to new development pathways that foster human flourishing today, while simultaneously preserving the resources necessary for future generations to pursue their own well-being. Such a capacity will almost certainly require addressing four separate but interrelated challenges: i) create attainable visions of just and sustainable futures capable of guiding change; ii) overcome sociotechnical lock-in and path dependence in unsustainable development pathways; iii) counter power of incumbent interests intent on maintaining the status quo; and iv) build new institutions capable of structuring the incentives and behavior of actors toward more sustainable development pathways. This working paper provides a high-level overview of transformation scholarship in sustainability science as well as insights from the past several decades of practice in the field. The paper is designed as a jumping off point for a seminar series on Capacity for Sustainable Development (C4SD) organized by the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, the Sustainability Science Program, Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, Center for International Development, and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School."