Industrial transformation is at the heart of Europe’s climate, innovation and competitiveness agenda. The new report “Rethinking Industrial Transformation: Enablers for Systemic Change”, published by the European Topic Centre on Sustainability Transitions (ETC ST), examines the key enablers needed to support a resilient and fair industrial future for Europe.
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology played a significant role in the report. AIT experts Klaus Kubeczko and Vitaliy Soloviy contributed alongside international researchers to the analysis of key transformation dynamics and policy approaches.
What is ETC ST?
The European Topic Centre on Sustainability Transitions (ETC ST) is an international research network supporting the European Environment Agency (EEA) with scientific expertise on sustainability transitions across Europe.
The network provides knowledge and policy recommendations on systemic transformation processes in areas such as industry, energy, mobility and the circular economy. AIT contributes its expertise in transformation research, industrial policy and resilience.
Three Key Enablers for Industrial Transformation
The report highlights that industrial transformation goes far beyond technological innovation and requires broader societal and economic change. It identifies three major enablers:
- Culture, people and places: Successful transformation depends on social acceptance, strong social partnerships and region-specific approaches.
- Destabilisation and phase-out: Alongside innovation, deliberate phase-out strategies are needed to avoid long-term structural lock-ins.
- Broadening the view on resilience: Decentralised and adaptive systems strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to crises and manage transformation proactively.
AIT’s Contribution to European Transformation Research
Through its involvement in ETC ST, AIT strengthens its role as a scientific partner for European sustainability and industrial policy. The report underlines that Europe’s industrial future will depend on the ability to shape systemic change in a coordinated and inclusive way. systemischen Wandel aktiv zu gestalten.