Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BESIDE (Institutional, BEhavioural, critical and adaptive economics towards SustaInable Development, management of natural capital and circular Economy)
Reporting period: 2022-07-01 to 2024-09-30
BESIDE aims to reinforce and consolidate at the University of Aveiro Associated Laboratory CESAM research expertise in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources. This will boost the existing fundamental and applied research activities by filling the identified gaps on: i) financial impact of environmental policies, ii) high-skilled jobs opportunities, and iii) circular economy business models.
The ERA Chair will be hired for the position of Coordinator Researcher (full Prof equivalent) and fund five researchers and three PhD students.
BESIDE will be framed in 4 pillars: i) institutional economics (how do institutions shape and constrain sustainable resources management); ii) behavioural economics (what is needed to provoke sustainable resources management); iii) critical economics (drawbacks and limits to as well as going beyond the ecosystem services approach); and iv) adaptive economics (model competitive advantages for existing and new businesses, and jobs).
BESIDE is fully aligned with University of Aveiro and CESAM goals and therefore in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals for 2030, EU priorities that include the commitment for an intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth based on knowledge and innovation and the shared pursuit of excellence, and with the national and Centro-Portugal region research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3).
The ERA Chair will be hired for the position of Coordinator Researcher (full Prof equivalent) and fund five researchers and three PhD students.
BESIDE will be framed in 4 pillars: i) institutional economics (how do institutions shape and constrain sustainable resources management); ii) behavioural economics (what is needed to provoke sustainable resources management); iii) critical economics (drawbacks and limits to as well as going beyond the ecosystem services approach); and iv) adaptive economics (model competitive advantages for existing and new businesses, and jobs).
BESIDE is fully aligned with University of Aveiro and CESAM goals and therefore in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals for 2030, EU priorities that include the commitment for an intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth based on knowledge and innovation and the shared pursuit of excellence, and with the national and Centro-Portugal region research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3).
The project started on the 1st of January 2021 and the main achievement during the first reporting period was the selection of the Chair holder and the preparation of the internal process for the selection of the remaining team. Since then, BESIDE has made significant progress towards its objectives, building on the foundations established earlier. The team was consolidated with the recruitment of the ERA Chair associated researchers, including junior researchers, an assistant researcher, PhD students, and a science communication manager. This team has been integrated in CESAM, collaborating with its existing research groups and researchers from GOVCOPP. These efforts are strengthening CESAM’s capacity in the fields of Environmental Economics and Natural Resources (EENR).
The project has realigned its strategy with CESAM’s evolving priorities, considering the frameworks of Horizon Europe, the European Green Deal, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while aligning its research agenda with Portugal's Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3). A major accomplishment has been the creation of the BESIDE platform, which has facilitated synergies across ongoing and new projects, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Capacity building has been a central focus, with tailored training programmes and summer schools designed to enhance the expertise of researchers and postgraduate students.
BESIDE has also contributed to research and innovation, advancing the European Research Area (ERA) priorities. The team has launched new projects and research services, secured substantial funding, and published numerous peer-reviewed articles, with additional publications in progress. These achievements highlight the project's commitment to producing impactful, high-quality research. International collaboration is part of the project’s strategy. BESIDE has strengthened CESAM’s international profile, opening opportunities for joint research, funding applications, and knowledge exchange. These efforts have been complemented by active dissemination activities, including the development of a website, newsletters, and social media platforms, as well as the publication of policy recommendations, organisation of workshops and conferences, and the production of academic articles. Stakeholder engagement is also contemplated. BESIDE has facilitated workshops and meetings with national and regional stakeholders, fostering collaboration across key sectors such as forestry and the oceans. Furthermore, the team has engaged with Co-Labs and international organisations to explore long-term partnerships and strengthen connections with European and global initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure the sustained impact and relevance of the project.
The project has realigned its strategy with CESAM’s evolving priorities, considering the frameworks of Horizon Europe, the European Green Deal, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while aligning its research agenda with Portugal's Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3). A major accomplishment has been the creation of the BESIDE platform, which has facilitated synergies across ongoing and new projects, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Capacity building has been a central focus, with tailored training programmes and summer schools designed to enhance the expertise of researchers and postgraduate students.
BESIDE has also contributed to research and innovation, advancing the European Research Area (ERA) priorities. The team has launched new projects and research services, secured substantial funding, and published numerous peer-reviewed articles, with additional publications in progress. These achievements highlight the project's commitment to producing impactful, high-quality research. International collaboration is part of the project’s strategy. BESIDE has strengthened CESAM’s international profile, opening opportunities for joint research, funding applications, and knowledge exchange. These efforts have been complemented by active dissemination activities, including the development of a website, newsletters, and social media platforms, as well as the publication of policy recommendations, organisation of workshops and conferences, and the production of academic articles. Stakeholder engagement is also contemplated. BESIDE has facilitated workshops and meetings with national and regional stakeholders, fostering collaboration across key sectors such as forestry and the oceans. Furthermore, the team has engaged with Co-Labs and international organisations to explore long-term partnerships and strengthen connections with European and global initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure the sustained impact and relevance of the project.
With the ERA Chair in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources, the University of Aveiro's Associated Laboratory CESAM is expected to build critical mass and address identified expertise gaps in priority areas. These priorities were co-defined in collaboration with Co-Labs and stakeholders during meetings and workshops organised by BESIDE. The BESIDE project, led by the ERA Chair holder and the associated team, is driving a transformative shift in current practices, enabling a strategic focus on two key areas: Ocean and Forest sectors, in alignment with the mission to advance a multi-actor approach to economic and environmental challenges. An example of this impact are three policy recommendation reports for the European Commission. These include a report on building the Atlantic Innovation Ecosystem (developed with CPMR and CCDR Lisbon), another on forest fire management, and a third addressing gender issues in the Blue Economy (in collaboration with the Marine Institute and NUIG). These policy briefs, produced with BESIDE team members, were disseminated to the primary target audiences in formats tailored to their specific needs, maximising their potential for influence and impact.