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To address lessons that specify the impact and contribution of current scenario methods when focused on facilitating transition management processes.

Comparative literature review based on transition management and scenario development.

Need of further systemic thought about the required criteria of transition scenarios and the embedding of scenario use in transition management processes.

Processes of transition management are in need of transition specific scenarios.

Because transition management implies a complex and long‐term steering paradigm with which current scenario applications are not familiar, conclusions are drawn on the (changing) requirements of scenario development processes in transition management and on the need to innovate current scenario methods in the context of transition management.

Transitions are transformation processes in which society changes in a fundamental way over a generation or more. Although the goals of a transition are ultimately chosen by society, governments can play a role in bringing about structural change in a stepwise manner. Their management involves sensitivity to existing dynamics and regular adjustment of goals to overcome the conflict between long‐term ambition and short‐term concerns. This article uses the example of a transition to a low emission energy supply in the Netherlands to argue that transition management provides a basis for coherence and consistency in public policy and can be the spur to sustainable development.