While the transition to climate neutrality is urgently needed, the strategies to actually achieve this goal remain less defined.

This event discussed the potential of the Transition Super-Lab approach and addressed how we can drive the transition towards climate neutrality in an inclusive and just manner.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​At the event, we:

  • Demonstrated the significance of the Transition Super-Lab approach
  • Shared our findings from almost one and a half years of project work and
  • Discussed, among other things, how regions can be the key transformers for a just and inclusive systemic change.

Welcome address by Matthias Kiese

Dean, Faculty of Geosciences, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
TRANSFORMER Project

Keynote: Cities and regions as essential hubs for green transformation

Joachim d'Eugenio
Policy Adviser for Zero Pollution
​​​​​​​at the European Commission

Introduction to the overall topic of regional transformations to achieve green targets including carbon neutrality and zero pollution.

Joachim's presentation (PDF)

Introduction to the topic of Transition Super-Labs

Gerd Schönwälder
independent researcher and consultant

  • What is a Transition Super-Lab?: Key components of a TSL.

  • Why Transition Super-Labs?
    The main advantages of the TSL approach,
    ​​​​​​​Positioning TSLs as a viable solution to the challenge of transitioning to climate neutrality

Gerd's presentation (PDF)

Presenting the first findings of the TRANSFORMER project

Georgia Ayfantopoulou
Deputy Director and Research Director
​​​​​​​at the Hellenic Institute of Transport of CERTH
TRANSFORMER Project


  • ​​​What are the preliminary TRANSFORMER results?
  • What have been the challenges?
  • How can we move beyond those challenges?
  • ​What needs to happen next?
Georgia's presentation (PDF)

Questions and Answers
​​​​​​​ 

The panel discussion: Designing inclusive solutions for regions
​​​​​​​

The panel discussion revolves around the central idea of leveraging Transition Super-Labs as catalysts for transformation at the regional level.
The panel discussion will provide a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities associated with regional sustainability transformations, with the overarching goal of providing a productive and solutions-focused discussion.
Moreover, to highlight the co-creative nature of the approach, the audience will be able to participate through the interactive SLIDO tool and shape the conversation accordingly.

Wolfgang Backhaus
Managing Director at Rupprecht Consult

Moderator

Georgia Ayfantopoulou
​​​​​​​Deputy Director and Research Director ​​​​​​​at the Hellenic Institute of Transport of CERTH

Adrian Hiel
​​​​​​​Head of Campaigns and Media, Energy Cities

Börje Wichert
HUB Manager Project Development & Internationalisation, Duisburg Business & Innovation

Benoît Verhulst
Participatory project manager, Missions Publiques

Lunch & networking
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User Forum

(closed session for TRANSFORMER partners and User Forum participants)