REINVENT Realising Innovation in Transitions for Decarbonisation

The research project REINVENT analyses decarbonisation in four sectors where low carbon transitions are still relatively unexplored: steel, plastics, paper, and meat and dairy, and their value chains. REINVENT starts from within these sectors to build a deeper understanding of viable pathways, rather than from an outside climate policy framework. This perspective is necessary for supporting the innovations and system-wide transformations that decarbonisation requires. REINVENT explores and assesses future decarbonisation pathways in a wider systemic innovation context, by mapping decarbonisation innovations and analysing selected cases through creating innovation biographies. The analytical perspective includes attention to co-evolution with ongoing changes in energy supply and integration with renewable energy systems and a more resource efficient circular economy. REINVENT develops generic knowledge through assessments of macro-economic implications and integrated analysis of economic, environmental and social impacts at the EU and global levels. Models (IMAGE and WISEE) are used for cross-sectorial analysis of economy-wide technological transitions, consistent with decarbonisation pathways and economic development. An evidence-based framework for future EU policy and transition governance will be developed.