About the Project

Module 1
Sustainability and Competitiveness in Production and Consumption

Module 1 pursues the networking of two key concepts of sustainable industries: the concept of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the concept of responsible competitiveness. The networking is initiated in five subject areas.

1.1
Methodical interdisciplinary issues

In this sub-module, such aspects as product innovation goals from the point of view of the consumer, competitiveness of sustainable products in the global mass market and international public awareness campaigns are discussed. The methodical further development of life-cycle cost analysis and the integration of social aspects are addressed.

1.2
Socially compatible electronic products

The goal of this sub-module is networking activities related to environmentally and socially compatible electronics production in countries which have a strategic position on the world market. Networks such as the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (EICC) are partners.

1.3 Use of biogenic resources as raw materials

This sub-module aims to disseminate methods and findings of the energetic use of biomass towards the use of biogenic – as well as aquatic – resources as raw materials. A co-operative working process of scientific and social actors from the EU is initiated and contact is established with non-European research institutes.

1.4 Sustainable transformation of tourism services

The integration of sustainability and tourism research as well as consumption and marketing research is in the foreground in this sub-module. The intention is for the transfer of socio-environmental methods for the purposes of a more sustainable product and market set-up to make a contribution to long-term competitiveness.

1.5
Responsible competitiveness
Is socially responsible action in companies and industries a stumbling block or a driving force of the competitiveness of the European Economic Area? The networking of European actors and an exchange of experiences with other economic areas are pursued in respect of this issue.

Module 2
System innovations and transition management
Sustainable development requires structural innovations in such sectors as power, mobility, nutrition and housing. Problematic production and consumption patterns are stabilised by means of established regimes in which technologies and infrastructures are linked with social institutions, visions and interests. As a result, new products and forms of organisation cannot break through. In workshops on “transition management“, new policy approaches are analysed and developed further in order to shape sustainable system change.

Module 3
Conflict management in infrastructure projects
Module 3 focuses on public participation as well as the participation of stakeholders in large infrastructure schemes – primarily in the context of airport extensions and nuclear waste repositories. The module initiates a Europe-wide network of experts and institutions which are active in the field of moderated stakeholder processes for the purpose of conflict management. The task will generally be made up of two aspects: (1) The interaction between formal planning and approval procedures and informal participation processes and (2) the determination of methodical and procedural requirements of a comprehensive impact assessment with regard to the social and economic development of regions and possible reduction and compensation measures.