How do young scholars perceive the Green Economy (GE) concept? What impacts does this have on science-policy interaction and policy implementation for real societal change?
The Green Economy: Pragmatism or Revolution? Perceptions of Young Researchers on Social Ecological Transformation investigates the perceptions of young researchers from various disciplines working on GE-related issues using qualitative content analysis and a participatory approach. The spectrum of disparate perceptions observed among the respondents is represented in a two-dimensional model with the following dimensions: 1) the degree and nature of desired societal change in relation to the current economic model and set of institutions; and 2) the role of research in delivering such change.
The study found a bottom line of values generally shared by respondents, including a common recognition of the need to address interlinked ecological and social problems, and the need for research to be independent and to provide options, guidance and solutions to policy-making. It also found disparate and divergent opinions concerning GE and its potential to genuinely further sustainable development and a broad spectrum of opinions regarding the degree and nature of needed societal change and the role of research in the field of the GE. This spectrum is represented in a four-quadrant model that includes four different ideological positions of researchers: radical evolutionist, pragmatic evolutionist, radical revolutionary and pragmatic revolutionary. The majority of respondents were positioned in the pragmatic revolutionist quadrant; they aspire to a more fundamental systemic change through adopting pragmatic approaches.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly aware of the benefits of closing loops and improving resource efficiency, such as saving material costs, creating competitive advantages, and accessing new markets.
The Life Beyond Growth publication by AtKisson for the Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy and Society, explores, as a basis, alternatives and complements to GDP-measured growth as a framing concept for social progress.