Policy and governance
The serious negative effects of current economic practices and lifestyles require far-reaching change processes at all levels of social organisation. This is about more than socially just climate policy: complex transformation processes need to be organised in such a way that they do not only meet ecological necessities, but also fairly distribute opportunities for social participation and negative effects.
The necessary governance of such processes goes beyond traditional ideas of state action. Not only does it require a new level of coordination of different institutional levels, but complex sustainability challenges can hardly be dealt with within established policy fields. What's more, the definition of specific development paths within framework conditions that must be secured by the state – ecological limits and minimum social standards – is subject to political and societal negotiations and requires complex cooperation between state and non-state actors.
In close dialogue with stakeholders from politics, business and civil society, the IÖW develops system, orientation and decision-making knowledge in order to support the readjustment of existing governance structures. We analyse political processes and address issues such as power, interests and emerging resistance against transitions. We explore new governance approaches, such as alliances between social, welfare and environmental organisations and trade unions, or between digital and environmental policy stakeholders. We also initiate and support cooperation between companies, civil society and science and evaluate participation processes.
Ongoing projects
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Contentious politics and democratic renewal in sustainability transitions (Trans4Demo)
RePack-network. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Sustainable packaging of food Networking and transfer program for plastics reduction
Strengthening green public procurement through science-based support services
Alliances for Environmental Protection II Transdisciplinary Collaboration between Environmental/Social Organizations and Academia on Issues of a Socially Just Resource Transition
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Biodiversity-promoting climate measures in urban areas
Publications on the topic
Speeding-up wind energy developments Exploring notions of acceleration and justice in regions within Germany and the Netherlands
Statement on the social importance of allotment gardens Statement on the motion of the NRW parliamentary group of the SPD “Long tradition, modern idea – 100 years of allotment garden associations in NRW”
Phone: +49–30–884 594-65
helen.sharp(at)ioew.de