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How IIPP is spearheading new approaches to the climate crisis
10 December 2019
UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose recently held a workshop and challenge lab session that showcased the Institute’s ambitious agenda for climate change
On Monday 2nd December, IIPP hosted the first of a series of interactive workshops and challenge lab sessions focused on the climate emergency.
The purpose of this first day-long workshop was: to engage and support our project partner EIT Climate-KIC (the EU’s main climate innovation initiative).
Practitioners from EIT Climate-KIC are working on the ground in ambitious deep demonstration projects focused on rapid transitions for climate change. So, the aim of the day was also to bring in our wider MOIN network looking at how our collaborative approach working across our active partnerships, would yield more impactful results.
Held at the Royal Society of Arts Manufactures and Commerce, the day was led by IIPP Head of Policy Partnerships Rowan Conway and Head of Green Economy and Sustainable Growth Martha McPherson.
IIPP Director Mariana Mazzucato and Climate-KIC CEO Kirsten Dunlop started the proceedings by laying out the vision for these deep-dive climate workshops.
Then it was straight to work. Participants gathered in thematic challenge lab sessions to look at how innovation can support specific bold approaches to climate challenges such as:
- decarbonising food systems,
- enabling climate-friendly cities
- and supporting a just transition from heavily polluting fossil fuels in heavily industrialised regions.
The purpose of the workshop/lab was not just to find solutions, but to support a growing community of purpose around mission-oriented innovation for the green transition.
This strategic approach works with eight geographical and thematic areas across Europe, putting the green mission-orientated lens at the heart of all climate discussions: from transforming ports and food systems to financial organisations investing more ambitiously in a green future.