Industrial transitions

About

The digital and green transitions, also known as the Twin Transition, are prominent in the EU agenda and in Smart Specialisation. This is why the sixth fulfilment criterion of Policy Objective 1 “A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation” is precisely concerned with this aspect. Regions have indeed been required to have “Actions to manage industrial transitions” in their S3s, with a specific focus on the re-skilling of the workforce, adapting it to the needs of S3 and the demands of entrepreneurship.

In line with the literature on sustainability transitions, it is necessary to adopt systemic approach to industrial transitions, one that frames technology and innovation in broader societal dynamics (i.e. new business models, new forms of consumption and social organization), integrating not only the triple helix, but also the fourth helix (i.e. civil society) and finding instruments that promote experimentation and learning through failure, as well as adapting the skills of the workforce to the forthcoming needs.

Industrial transitions are at the core of several EU policies, beyond S3, for instance the Just Transitions Funds.