摘要：In this paper, we explore how ex ante scale dynamics analysis can contribute to better understanding of interactionsbetween scales and levels, and how these interactions influence solution space in policy processes. In so doing, we addressopportunities and challenges of conducting ex ante scale dynamics analysis as part of an action-oriented social science researchapproach that seeks to enhance its contribution to more scale-sensitive policy development. The policy debate on sustainablebiofuels in Mozambique provides the empirical context in which we analyze interactions across administrative, institutional,and economic scales and levels, and how these interactions influence the space in which policy solutions can be explored anddesigned. On the basis of the analysis, we conclude that ex ante scale dynamics analysis can contribute to: (1) increasingawareness of interactions between scales and levels, and their implications for policy, (2) identifying immediate and potentialmatches and mismatches between scales and levels, and developing (adaptive) capacity to address them, and (3) identifyingstakeholders and their scale- and level-related interests that can provide the basis for collaborative multi-stakeholder learning.Consequently, ex ante scale dynamics analysis can provide an important contribution to balancing and harmonizing interactionsacross different scales and levels, from which innovative and scale-sensitive policy responses can emerge. As part of an action-oriented, soc ial science research approach, careful attention needs to be paid to processes of scale and leve l inclusion andexclusion when conducting sca le dynamics analysis
关键词：action-oriented research; biofuels; ex ante scale dynamics analysis; Mozambique; policy processes; scale and;level; sustainability
