Policy mixes for more sustainable resource use in a robust European economy
The project DYNAMIX (Dynamic policy mixes for absolute decoupling of environmental impact of EU resource use from economic growth) was established to identify and assess policy mixes that support this decoupling. DYNAMIX found that, at best, current policies could achieve only relative decoupling. Researchers identified key drivers of unsustainable and inefficient resource use – mainly behavioural (such as the spreading westernised consumption patterns), technological (e.g. the inertia of existing infrastructure and technology systems to change), policy-institutional (for instance, legislative frameworks impeding innovation to more sustainable resource use) and socioeconomic (such as population growth). The research highlighted that many of these drivers are interlinked so that given the diverse contexts of resource use, there is a need to combine different policies targeting these interrelated drivers. Through a set of 15 case studies, researchers compared and assessed the effectiveness of best practices of past and existing policy mixes in different sectors. Based on the knowledge generated through this mixed methodology approach, DYNAMIX advanced three policy mixes. The first is a metals and materials policy mix that aims to reduce the consumption of virgin metals by 80 % in the EU by 2050. The second is a land-use policy mix that targets reduced impacts of agricultural production and consumption. Finally, the overarching policy mix has the goal of supporting decoupling of EU consumption from resource use and environmental impacts. This can be fostered through supportive framework conditions that help producers and consumers make more sustainable choices. A qualitative and quantitative ex ante impact assessment was used to assess to the three policy mixes with regard to their environmental, economic, social impacts. The team also assessed public acceptability and legal feasibility in a qualitative approach. All project results were disseminated and continuously discussed with key stakeholder groups. Related activities were scientific publications, participation and presentations at conferences, and a resource policy webinar. Partners also held four policy platforms in Brussels, from 2013 to 2015. The project's developed policy mixes aim to support resource policy in targeting transformative social innovation and consumer-demand shifts to achieve absolute decoupling of EU resource utilisation and related environmental impacts from economic activities. DYNAMIX work and outcomes thus contribute to the EU's goal of a more resource-efficient and economically stronger Europe.
Keywords
Policy mixes, resource use, economic growth, DYNAMIX, environmental impact, consumption, social change