Strategies for ecologically-driven structural change towards a Green Economy

The fundamental goals of the project are:

1. The collection and application of criteria for the identification of business sectors / technologies in which fundamental structural change is inevitable given long-term environmental policy goals and / or environmental mega-trends.

An analysis and evaluation of selected branches based on ecological and economic criteria will be conducted.

2. The development of strategies and practical recommendations for action to proactively govern and support ecologically-driven structural change. The project team analyses the influencing/success factors from past and current structural change processes inland and abroad and conduct three case studies. Two of these case studies look at economically significant (sub-)branches (automobile and chemical industries) which are expected to decline or at least be significantly altered by ecological structural change. The third case study looks at an innovative sector with potential for both environmental relief as well as economic performance and job opportunities.

Within the case studies, there is an intensive dialogue with potentially-affected groups and their representatives (e.g. chambers, branch and employers’ associations, unions and work councils of larger companies). This dialogue shed light on the possible and feared impacts of the necessary structural change and develop a common understanding and foundation for collaboration in this area, particularly with government.

The project team subsequently formulates concrete recommendations for action for political and economic actors in the three case study areas but also more generally. They  highlight how structural change processes towards a green economy can be supporte

d and designed in a socially responsible manner.