Are EU regions ready to tackle climate change?

Source: Cappellano, F., Marques Santos, A. and Dotti, N.F., Are EU regions ready to tackle climate change, European Commission, 2023, JRC135523, p.14

A recent study conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with external experts has provided valuable insights in assessing science, technological innovation, and policy priorities geared towards tackling climate change.  

How is knowledge on impacts and adaptation used at territorial level? 
Based on the conclusions drawn from the mid-term evaluation of EU missions report (Reid et al., 2023), which highlights that research and innovation efforts alone may not be enough to address societal challenge and achieve the missions’ goals, this study expands the understanding of mission-oriented approach at territorial level. It considers the specific qualities of institutions in different places to aid in policy learning and addresses the disconnect between scientific research, technological innovation, and policy goals. To offer a fresh perspective, the authors suggest a composite indicator that evaluates the directionality of Science and Technological Innovation and policy priorities to fight climate change in regions in various countries between 2009 and 2020 (See Fig.1). 
The findings reveal a nuanced performance across the selected European regions - France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain - sometimes less straightforward than expected. In particular, a region's readiness to address climate change is strongly correlated with its level of innovation intensity, technological advancements, and the presence of highly skilled workers. This confirms that potential advantages, as knowledge absorption, spill-overs and transfer, of industries being located close to others in a specific area tend to drive the directionality of Science & Technological Innovation. It also suggests that skilled human capital has a higher likelihood to support this knowledge production.  
                                                 
Useful insights for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change 
The study provides quantitative evidence on the regional readiness to tackle climate change, shedding light on the capacities of local stakeholders. The mission-oriented approach used in the study was mainstreamed in the policy landscape leading to the uptake of the EU’s Missions. 

The study enables decision makers to identify areas where additional support and resources may be required, and where successful strategies can be replicated. Furthermore, by analysing the relationship between regional readiness and the levels of climate change-related disaster risk, the study provides valuable insights. This understanding enables the prioritisation of resources and support to the most vulnerable areas, ensuring that adaptation efforts are effective and impactful. 

From science to policy: key take-away messages 
This research highlighted the importance of tailored policy strategies, emphasising the need for policymakers to be aware of the differences in readiness among regions. Specifically, more developed regions are generally more prepared to tackle climate change effects compared to less developed regions. On the contrary, a major threat exists for regions with high risk and low technological and human capital resources. In addition, advanced regions facing lower climate risks appear less inclined to prioritize confronting the climate crisis, a choice with ramifications extending far beyond their regional confines. 

To summarize, three key take-away messages for relevant policymakers include: 
- the importance of considering the diverse realities of different regions, 
- the need for tailored policy strategies, 
- the significance of addressing the regions’ readiness to ensure coordinated climate actions. 

Publication: Cappellano, F., Marques Santos, A. and Dotti, N.F., Are EU regions ready to tackle climate change, European Commission, 2023, JRC135523.