The Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium (TIPC), based at the University of Sussex Business School, hosted a high-level side event this month at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regional Forum for Sustainable Development.

The event introduced the Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) approach, which focuses on shifting entire socio-technical systems – such as those for energy, transport, healthcare, or food – towards more sustainable and equitable futures.

Regional leaders and researchers shared the wide-ranging local challenges they are facing, including wetlands degradation, stormwater flooding, watershed management, rising temperatures, youth mental health, construction waste, and housing shortages. Panellists explored how TIP can be applied to these diverse, place-based issues.

Ferran Dalman and Chaimae Essousi from the Government of Catalonia shared how they use system mapping tools developed by Sussex researchers to support local people in addressing rural depopulation, resilient landscapes, and sustainable livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Cristian Matti from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre outlined how TIP can act as a driver for climate adaptation within regional development strategies.

Contributors stressed the need for new thinking and networks, highlighting that traditional approaches to innovation policy are inadequate for tackling today’s interconnected challenges.

The event was organised in collaboration with UNECE’s Transformative Innovation Network (ETIN), which Sussex is partnered with through TIPC to accelerate transformative change across the region.

Anders Jönsson, ETIN lead and Chief of the Innovation Policy Development Section at UNECE, opened the session by highlighting the importance of connecting ideas with implementation. ‘Where we can provide value is to think about practice…’ said Jönsson. ‘We want to bring together people who are thinking in this way – people who really want to act.’

This message was echoed by Victoria Shaw, TIPC Programme Director at Sussex and ETIN Core Group member. ‘Local policy makers recognise the need for system change – the question is how to make this happen. We’re delighted to be collaborating with UNECE, the European Commission and partners in Catalonia to share real-world learnings and build communities of practice.’

Professor Ingrid Woolard, Dean of the University of Sussex Business School, welcomed the partnership-based approach. 'The Business School is proud to be at the forefront of shaping innovation policy that responds to the urgent challenges facing regions today,' she said. 'Through TIPC and our collaboration with UNECE, we’re helping to equip practitioners with the tools and thinking to drive transformation, starting at the community level.' 

To learn more about TIPC’s work with the Government of Catalonia to support transformative change in the region, visit the web portal for the Shared Agendas of RIS3CAT 2030.