Framing R&I for transformative change towards sustainable development in the European Union

The objective of this exploratory study is to analyse the nexus between the current debate on R&I policy and the notion and measurement of sustainable development in the uncertain scenario of our present and future times. Through a state-of-the-art review of the up-to-date academic literature and policy debate on both sustainable development and R&I, this study intends discussing to what extent and how R&I policy in the post-COVID scenario can represent a leverage for transformative change towards sustainable development. In particular, it provides theoretical arguments and policy recommendations to foster a roadmap for a new approach on R&I policies at European level.

By Mario Biggeri (University of Florence) and Andrea Ferrannini (University of Florence)