Green economic policy and development research: lessons for the future

Veranstaltungsart
Workshop in honour of Tilman Altenburg

Ort / Datum
Bonn, 09.05.2025

German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

This workshop will mainly consist of three panels:

What is good green economic policy?

Our economies must become greener: decarbonised, less material-intensive, circular. However, green alternatives often lack cost-competitiveness where environmental costs are externalised. Willingness to pay for the environment is declining, as people prioritize material welfare over climate concerns. Populists dismiss climate action as ‘eco-dictatorship,’ shaping discourse. The challenge is to align environmental goals with economic stability, but academic and global economic approaches vary. In this panel, leading researchers and policymakers to discuss diverse policy mixes, trade-offs, and solutions beyond simplistic approaches, offering insights into balancing sustainability with economic aspirations.

What is good development research?

Achieving societally relevant research that influences both academia and policymaking is the dream of every think tank researcher. Yet, this is increasingly difficult, especially for young academics. Academic discussions and the focus on methods often diverge from the practical knowledge policymakers need. Researchers may prioritize journal publications and citations, while policymakers seek actionable insights for societal impact. Views on what the impact of research is and should be vary, i.e. what is “enough” or “relevant” impact. This panel explores these tensions, discussing the purpose, relevance, and impact of development research in a world where development policy faces growing scrutiny. 

The workshop will close with an entirely serious bingo session lauding Tilman Altenburg’s professional achievements during his long career and service for making the world a better place. For further details, please see the programme.

This is a workshop by invitation only.

Hinweis

Während unserer Veranstaltungen werden z.T. Foto- und/oder Filmaufnahmen gemacht, die für Zwecke der Veranstaltungsberichterstattung und allgemeinen Öffentlichkeitsarbeit in verschiedenen Medien veröffentlicht werden. Sie haben jederzeit das Recht, die Foto- oder Videograf*innen darauf hinzuweisen, dass Sie nicht aufgenommen werden möchten. / During our events photos and/or videos may be taken which may be published in various media for the purposes of documentation and PR activities. You have the right at any time to point out to the photographer or videographer that you do not want to be photographed or filmed.