What is your stance on growth?

“When we talk about sustainability, we cannot avoid the question of economic growth. Can there be lasting growth and sustainability – and if not, what alternatives do we have? In this series of events, we therefore address the fundamentals and controversies surrounding economic growth. We look at how growth, resource consumption and technology are interrelated and ask about possible alternatives.”

One such alternative is the bioeconomy, which is being heavily promoted in the Rhineland region. The bioeconomy promises to harness biological knowledge for marketable innovation while also addressing social sustainability issues. New, sustainable companies and industries are also to be created in the context of structural change in the Rhineland region. It is the political desire to make this transformation inclusive and participatory.

In an experimental teaching research format, we would like to involve students from all disciplines and make use of their respective expertise. Specifically, seminar participants will work with other students outside the seminar to conduct small moderated group discussions in order to identify their expectations of bioeconomic innovation and transformation processes. Key findings will be compiled at the end and forwarded to innovation stakeholders in the model region.