Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) in Berlin

The Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) is a pioneer of sustainability research. For over 25 years, scientists at the IÖW have been tackling the challenges of sustainable development and seeking new, often unconventional, answers to today's questions about tomorrow.

As a leading scientific institute in the field of practice-oriented sustainability research, the IÖW attracts talented researchers from numerous fields of research to work together on a more sustainable future. Their common task is to recognise and identify the causes of social-ecological challenges and to develop possible solutions. The researchers believe in an interdisciplinary approach to research and therefore work together in mixed teams – economists and engineers, sociologists and psychologists. They deal with a wide range of topics such as climate-friendly energy systems, new technologies, sustainable corporate management and sustainable consumption. Research design and methods are individually tailored to each project.

The IÖW develops scientifically sound studies, concepts and strategies that are intended for practical application and supports their implementation at corporate and political level as well as in NGOs. In this way the IÖW provides concrete advice and support for political decision-makers, economic protagonists and NGOs, enabling them to find strategies and approaches for viable, long-term economic activity – for an economy which enables a good life and preserves natural resources.

The IÖW is a non-profit and independent institute. It receives no permanent basic subsidies. Clients come from various sectors of society. In recent years, the institute has been able to obtain a large proportion of its projects from the public sector, but also from corporations, associations and private foundations. Cooperation with international partners and clients such as the European Union or the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has become both an enriching and regular feature.

The main office of the IÖW is located in Berlin, with a second office in Heidelberg. The IÖW is one of the founding members of the Ecological Research Network (Ecornet), a network of non-university, non-profit German research institutes focusing on environmental and sustainability research. Furthermore, it is also a member of the Society of German Economic Research Institutes (ARGE), German Network for Technology Assessment (NTA) and German Society for Evaluation (DeGEval) and supports the environmental initiative of entrepreneurs future e.V.- verantwortung unternehmen.

Short summary of the visit at the IÖW on 28. October 2013

For most of the participants this was the first morning waking up in Germany. After a substantial breakfast in the morning the group made its way by foot to their first station of this year’s forum: the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW). For around 25 years it is one of the leading independent research institutes in the field of practice-oriented sustainability research. With its interdisciplinary approaches the IÖW is the perfect starting point for this year’s Green Talents science forum. Just a short walk through Berlin Mitte and German autumn weather away the group was given a cordial welcome by Thomas Korbun, Scientific Director at IÖW and Green Talents Jury Member 2013. After a brief introduction of the institute and the participants, two IÖW fellows presented their research projects to the group. Dr. Esther Hoffmann, head of the research field “corporate environmental management” presented recommendations on stakeholder participation in adaptation to climate change. The topic of “sharing economy” was then presented by Dr. Gerd Scholl, head of the research field “sustainable consumption”.

Following the presentations there was extended time scheduled for questions and discussions which the group made full use of. As usual, not all questions could be answered and therefore the discussions were continued during the lunch in a special location: one of Berlin’s oldest varieties. The first visit of the forum then ended with a “walk for sustainability in science” through one of Berlin’s numerous city parks where the Green Talents were asked to group up and discuss sustainability issues of their home institutions.