15.09.2011

Economics for Sustainability (WiN)

The research framework programme "Research for Sustainable Development" highlights the fact that the field of sustainability research has a high degree of social relevance and that its urgent need to find solutions to existing problems relies on in-depth expertise in economics. The field of economics can draw on a long tradition of adopting sustainability-relevant approaches in research (e.g. management of renewable resources or long-term accounting in public finance). This potential must be tapped more intensively than heretofore in terms of the firm establishment, further development and implementation of plans and strategies for more sustainability.

The "Economics for Sustainability" (WiN) funding priority is developing relevant solutions to issues that are vital for our future:

• What economic, social and ecological guidelines does the globalized economy need?
• From an economic point of view, what approaches must be adopted for a successful environmental policy for today and tomorrow?
• How can targeted innovations be used to provide efficient support for society on its path to greater sustainability?

The aim of the funding priority is to launch the kind of economics research which addresses practicable solutions to issues in sustainability policy and which leads to enhanced incorporation of the field of economics in the German and international sustainability discourse.

The objective on the one hand is to give economic research a new direction on the basis of sustainability policy issues, and to enhance sustainability research by adopting realistic economic approaches on the other. Economists work with relevant partners from everyday practice in the economy, administration and civil society. Together, they develop empirically founded and interdisciplinary strategies for action.