New report on transformative innovation policies: unlocking Europe's path to sustainability

Faced with the challenge to create more sustainable societies in only a short timeframe, transformative innovation policies are emerging as a key approach across Europe. As a relatively new field of policy, however, much remains unclear. What makes policy transformative? How can policies that aim to transform society best be implemented? A new European Commission JRC Science for Policy report led by Utrecht University’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development provides answers to these questions. “By identifying the policy design features and governance structures of real-world transformative policy initiatives, we provide valuable insights for policymakers across Europe striving to make their policies more transformative,” says Matthijs Janssen, lead author of the report.

Understanding Transformative Innovation Policies

Transformative innovation policies go beyond the norm by aiming to reshape entire production-consumption systems. The report reviewed 12 diverse transformative policy initiatives in European countries and regions, from the German Hightech Strategy 2025 to the Amsterdam Circular Strategy 2020-2025, focusing on learning from their design, implementation and the wider public administration and governance contexts within which they emerged. As Janssen explains: “To be transformative, policies should fulfil five key criteria: provide directions and perspectives, address a societal goal, cut across policy fields, mobilize demand, and involve stakeholders.” 

Key Findings and Governance Capacities 

The report uncovered several key findings. Janssen: “Our real-world examples demonstrate how policymakers are increasingly experimenting with new transformative policies. Collaboration between researchers and policymakers can thus be very helpful to guide new policies forward.”  The researchers emphasize the need to tailor transformative policies to their unique context. “The unique characteristics and challenges of each problem and of different governance systems—how decisions are made and rules are followed—present a challenge as well as an opportunity for policymakers to maximize their impact,” explains Iris Wanzenböck, co-author of the report and researcher at the Copernicus Institute.

Implications for Policymakers

The research was carried out for the European Commission, and the authors hope that policymakers at all European levels can draw valuable lessons from the report’s findings. Wanzenböck: “By implementing transformative innovation policies, pressing sustainability challenges can be addressed more effectively.” 

With these insights, we hope that Europe can accelerate its journey towards a more sustainable future

At the level of a city, region or country, the report emphasizes the need to involve diverse stakeholders, set clear societal goals, and create policy frameworks that cut across different sectors. Moreover, a tailored approach is important for navigating temporary setbacks and obstacles on the path to sustainability. The city of Amsterdam, for example, is developing its own Amsterdam Circular Monitor to assess the progress in specific sectors of its circular economy. 

Transformative innovation policies hold immense potential for driving sustainability transformations in Europe. This report provides policymakers with insights into the key criteria and governance capacities necessary for implementing such policies successfully. “By learning how to foster collaboration, align goals, build legitimacy, and manage conflicts that might arise along the way, policymakers can navigate the complex challenges and design tailored pathways for transformative policy development,” says Janssen. “With these insights, we hope that Europe can accelerate its journey towards a more sustainable future”.