Innovations for a European Green Deal

The European Green Deal is an important blueprint for the transition of European industry to an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable model. At a time when budgets are coming under growing pressure, successful implementation of the Green Deal will be particularly reliant on widespread acceptance and support among the public and the business community. In addition to protection of the climate and biodiversity, goals for the “new normal” in Europe once the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is over should therefore also include the strengthening of Europe’s global competitiveness and the implementation of structural change across different industries and regions in a way that includes workers and offers people new opportunities.

This acatech IMPULSE identifies hydrogen and renewables-based electrification, the digital and biological transformation, and the circular economy as promising drivers of a sustainable transformation of industry that can build on the strong research base in Germany and Europe. However, high levels of investment will be required to activate these drivers. Consequently, as well as technological innovations, the publication also outlines ways of making Europe an attractive location for investment in sustainability.