In recent years, industrial policy has made a strong return to political and academic discussions, driven by rapid technological advancements, the expansion of artificial intelligence, and mounting international tensions—including those tied to the US-China decoupling and the geopolitical consequences of the war in Ukraine. These shifts, combined with the disruptions in global value chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the intensifying climate crisis, have increased pressure to reduce energy dependence and facilitate access to critical minerals essential for decarbonising and digitalising both economic and social activities. In this complex landscape, Europe faces significant new challenges in its economic and political governance.
Agenda
15.00 – 15.05 Welcoming and introduction to the agenda.
15.05 – 15.10 Introductory message highlighting the importance of green industrial as a timely topic.
15.10 – 16.00 Panel: The resurgence of ‘green’ industrial policy in Europe and the world.
16.00 – 16.25 Q&A session.
16.25 – 16.30 Closing remarks
The dialogue around ‘green’ industrial policy is timely and essential, especially as many countries initiate unprecedented public spending programs. Major economic players, including Europe, have launched billion-dollar initiatives to boost industrial development. For example, China’s “Made in China 2025” plan, introduced in 2015, aims to modernize its industrial sector, while the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), presented by President Joe Biden in August 2022, has set ambitious green policy goals, though its future is uncertain following Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory. In response to these global shifts, the European Commission laid the groundwork for an industrial strategy on March 10, 2020, to drive Europe’s transition to a green and digital economy, strengthen its global competitiveness, and enhance the EU’s open strategic autonomy.
The European Union has since accelerated its legislative agenda to support industrial resilience, secure supply chains, and reduce external dependencies. Key measures include the European Chips Act, reforms to the electricity market, and the Net-Zero Industry Act, which aims to boost the EU’s manufacturing capacity for technologies critical to the clean energy transition.
To explore the significance and global impacts of these initiatives, join us at the upcoming GreenPaths webinar on 26 November at 15:00 CET. The GreenPaths team together with experts like Jewellod (Jojo) Nem Singh, Verónica Robert and Agnes Gagyi, will discuss how Europe’s industrial policies are addressing pressing global issues.
Check out all GreenPaths videos in the GreenPaths Youtube Channel