How can a system change approach help accelerate Climate Change Adaptation? 

Given the systemic nature of climate resilience, territories are looking at more systemic ways to address impacts of climate change. This paper argues that integrating Transformative Innovation (TI) into climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies would support regions towards the objective of the ‘transformative adaptation’ goal as outlined by the IPCC in 2022.

How is knowledge on impacts and adaptation used at territorial level? 
The framework of Transformative Innovation (TI) suggests that innovation policies targeting societal challenges must integrate advancements in science, technology, and innovation with broader economic and societal transformations to be truly effective. Moreover, TI policies are territory specific. They rely on the unique innovation, institutional capabilities, and natural characteristics of particular places to address the societal challenges encountered there.  

The analysis indicates that adopting a Transformative Innovation (TI) approach in framing Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) strategies would result in greater synergies across different domains. Such integration could change governance structures and funding mechanisms too. The role of transdisciplinary research to help understand and develop solutions for complex climate change issues would also become more evident. Moving beyond traditional multidisciplinary research, transdisciplinary research—sometimes termed 'convergence research'—involves deeply integrating diverse research approaches, methods, and paradigms from various disciplines to generate new knowledge. 

The report particularly emphasises the significance of fostering cross-domain synergies (horizontal coordination) and multilevel governance (vertical coordination), as well as creating space for experimentation. Additionally, it highlights the importance of framing climate change impacts within broader societal contexts, embracing a holistic 'system change' approach. 
Transformative Innovation may lead to breaking away from past practices and envisioning entirely new pathways in a transformed environment. This underscores the importance of experimentation and establishing protected temporary spaces for innovation. 

Implementing a systemic approach in CCA strategies would facilitate a transition from small, localised pilot experiments in CCA solutions towards mainstream and large-scale adoption of systemic solutions. In doing so, systemic portfolios could incorporate a variety of instruments that work together synergistically, thereby maximising co-benefits and minimising unintended negative effects.  

Useful insights for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change 
The study proposes a comprehensive framework outlining how Transformative Innovation can help enhance climate resilience. This framework has been used to develop cases studies focusing on CCA strategies in 16 territories, grouped into 14 reports [1]. These reports look at the current state-of-play of how each territory is addressing climate adaptation in a systemic way. They also identify potential additional measures that can be taken to further enhance their resilience efforts.

The study highlights significant barriers that must be overcome in the pursuit of a new generation of ‘transformative’ Climate Change Adaptation strategies. These barriers are present at both the formulation and implementation stages of strategy development. They encompass deficiencies in knowledge, governance structures and established institutions, including regulations, norms, values, behaviour and models. Some barriers are intrinsic to the CCA domain itself, such as the challenges in creating a robust evidence base. Others relate to the aspirations of the Transformative Innovation approach, such as challenges related to broader societal involvement or the risk of lock-ins. 

From science to policy: key take-away messages 
- Facilitating smooth communication between different governance levels - particularly by involving and empowering the local stakeholders – is crucial. This may enable the co-creation of solutions using inputs from different stakeholders. 
- Prioritising the development of a research agenda on various aspects related to Transformative Innovation (TI) is a priority. Emphasis should be placed on creating indicators to monitor and measure overall climate resilience at the territorial level. 
- To effectively address societal challenges, TI agendas must span across a wide spectrum of policy domains, extending beyond research and technology development. This includes incorporating demand-side policies, fostering skills development and building synergies with sectoral policies in fields like health, transportation, energy, or food, depending on the societal challenge at hand.  

[1] Available reports: Leuven, Belgium; Espoo, Finland; Turku - Southwest Finland, Finland; Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France;  Iceland; Emilia-Romagna, Italy; Northern Netherlands, Netherlands; Mazovia - Stare Babice, Poland; Norte, Portugal; Gorenjska, Slovenia; Blekinge and Värmland, Sweden. Forthcoming: Attica and North Aegean regions , Greece; Nord Vest – Cluj, Romania; Andalucia – Granada, Spain. 

Reference: Harding, R., Nauwelaers, C. and Haegeman, K., Transformative Innovation for Climate Change Adaptation - A mapping-based framework for territories, Carat, G. and Gnamus, A. editor(s), Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2024, doi:10.2760/319559, JRC137300.