Transformation of Economic and Social Systems

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Transformation of Economic and Social Systems

The transformation to sustainability can only be achieved by means of fundamentally reforming economic and social systems at national and global level. Researchers in this programme are examining the impacts of global economic dynamics on developing countries and emerging economies and observing the interplay between globalisation on the one hand and national economic and social policy strategies and initiatives on the other. The key question in this research is: What strategies and measures at global, national and subnational level are suitable for shaping change in the economic structures of developing countries and emerging economies in such a way that productivity is increased in the long term and poverty, malnutrition and inequality are decreased without exceeding the viability of ecological systems? The research programme analyses the design of socio-economic policies with a particular focus on the effects of global megatrends such as decarbonisation, global expansion of the new middle classes, radical technological change and shifting power centres in the global economy. It also drafts strategic solutions, taking account of the interdependence between national policies and the international regulatory framework.

Experts

Cluster: World Economy and Development Finance

How do we create a system of global economic governance that encourages a more sustainable economic transformation at national and international level? If we are to see a global transformation in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, then we...

Cluster: Structural Change and Inclusive Development

How can production structures be made more productive and competitive, yet socially inclusive and conducive to poverty reduction? In most developing countries, the majority of companies are very small and technologically underdeveloped, while labour and goods...

Cluster: Green Economy

In order to prevent environmental disasters of global proportions, we need to radically reduce toxic emissions and consumption of non-renewable resources within the space of a few decades. This poses an enormous challenge to the financial and the real economy....

Cluster: Social Policy, Poverty, Inequality

The cluster examines the role of social policy for: (i) reducing the different dimensions of poverty and inequality, (ii) increasing the willingness of citizens to invest (and thereby boosting economic growth among poorer social groups), and (iii) promoting...