RENEW (since 2022)

Knowledge transfer systems geared toward sustainable development must support stakeholders in developing solutions to complex societal challenges. This distinguishes them significantly from conventional knowledge transfer systems designed for technology-based innovations. The governance structures to be developed must align with overarching innovation and science policy frameworks at the regional, national, and supranational levels. For this reason, RENEW examines governance options for knowledge transfer systems with a view to how these can drive systemic innovation processes that contribute to sustainable development.
Against this backdrop, the project empirically examines the institutional and organizational frameworks within which stakeholders operate in various European knowledge transfer systems and to what extent existing institutional arrangements hinder or promote sustainable development. With regard to the goal of contributing to systemic innovations for sustainable development, resistance must often be overcome not only within the organizations involved but also within the existing knowledge transfer systems in Germany. More specifically, the project examines Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and Zurich as best-practice regions for sustainable development and knowledge transfer through semi-structured expert interviews. In each region, 20–25 interviews will be conducted with various stakeholders in the regional innovation system.
Against this backdrop, the project empirically examines the institutional and organizational conditions under which participants operate in various European knowledge transfer systems, and to what extent existing institutional arrangements hinder or promote sustainable development. With regard to the goal of contributing to systemic innovations for sustainable development, resistance must often be overcome not only within the organizations involved but also within the existing knowledge transfer systems in Germany.