The Triple Challenge for Europe: The Economy, Climate Change and Governance

34 Pages Posted: 29 Sep 2016

See all articles by Jan Fagerberg

Jan Fagerberg

University of Oslo - TIK - Senteret

Staffan Laestadius

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

Ben Martin

SPRU, University of Sussex; University of Cambridge - Judge Business School - Centre for Science and Policy (CSAP) and Centre for Business Research (CBR)

Date Written: September 27, 2016

Abstract

Europe is confronted by an intimidating triple challenge – economic stagnation, climate change, and a governance crisis. This paper demonstrates how the three challenges are closely inter-related, and discusses how they can be dealt with more effectively in order to arrive at a more economically secure, environmentally sustainable and well governed Europe. In particular, a return to economic growth cannot come at the expense of greater risk of irreversible climate change. Instead, what is required is a fundamental transformation of the economy to a new ‘green’ trajectory based on rapidly diminishing emission of greenhouse gases. This entails much greater emphasis on innovation in all its forms (not just technological). Following this path would mean turning Europe into a veritable laboratory for sustainable growth, environmentally as well as socially.

Note: The paper is based on a forthcoming book: Fagerberg, J., S. Laestadius and B. R. Martin eds. (2015) The Triple Challenge for Europe: Economic Development, Climate Change and Governance, Oxford University Press.

Keywords: Europe; European Union; triple challenge; economic stagnation; climate change; governance crisis; innovation policy; transformation process

Suggested Citation

Fagerberg, Jan and Laestadius, Staffan and Martin, Benjamin R., The Triple Challenge for Europe: The Economy, Climate Change and Governance (September 27, 2016). SWPS 2016-18, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2844672 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2844672

Jan Fagerberg (Contact Author)

University of Oslo - TIK - Senteret ( email )

Forskningsparken, Plan 5
Gaustadalléen 21
0349 OSLO
Norway
22858961 (Phone)
22858984 (Fax)

Staffan Laestadius

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) ( email )

Lindstedtsvägen 30-100 44
Stockholm, SE-100 44
Sweden

Benjamin R. Martin

SPRU, University of Sussex ( email )

The Freeman Centre, Jubilee Building
Falmer
Brighton, Sussex BN1 9SL
United Kingdom
01273 873562 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/people/lists/person/1716

University of Cambridge - Judge Business School - Centre for Science and Policy (CSAP) and Centre for Business Research (CBR)

Top Floor, Judge Business School Building
Trumpington Street
Cambridge, CB2 1AG
United Kingdom

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