Path dependence is a key mechanism that holds socio-technical systems in their current development trajectories. In sustainability transitions research a broad conception of path dependence prevails, which covers a variety of historical barriers to transformation. We advocate for a more narrow conception of path dependence that focuses on the underlying self-reinforcing mechanisms. We introduce theoretical work from organisation studies into transition research to conceptualise path dependence at the level of socio-technical systems and organisations, and furthermore elaborate on the phenomenon of path break-out. Based on a literature review of European electricity transitions, we analyse how self-reinforcing mechanisms are weakening leading to path break-out. We identify two modes of path break-out. First, path dissolution is a result of exogenous shocks and unintentional weakening of self-reinforcing mechanisms. Second, path breaking is a result of an intentional attempt to change the exiting patterns, which weakens the self-reinforcing mechanisms.

路径依赖是将社会技术系统保持在当前发展轨迹中的关键机制。在可持续性转型研究中，普遍存在路径依赖的广泛概念，其中涵盖了转型的各种历史障碍。我们提倡更狭隘的路径依赖概念，侧重于潜在的自我强化机制。我们将组织研究的理论工作引入转型研究，以在社会技术系统和组织层面概念化路径依赖，并进一步阐述路径突破现象。基于对欧洲电力转型的文献回顾，我们分析了自我强化机制如何削弱导致路径突破。我们确定了两种路径突破模式。一、路径溶解是外生冲击和自我强化机制无意削弱的结果。其次，路径突破是有意改变现有模式的结果，这削弱了自我强化机制。