Using natural resources sustainably in the long term requires applying and scaling-up resource efficient technologies and infrastructures as well as changing behaviour and social practices. Technologies and infrastructure can only then unfold resource savings potential, when accepted and used across society. In this context, socio-economic and socio-cultural developments will affect both the availability and the use of technological and social innovations.

Against this background, the research project aims to:

1. Analyse societal trends and the interactions between socio-technical, socio-economic and socio-cultural dimensions;
2. Assess the resource savings potential as well as possible adverse effects of the trends on resource conservation and climate protection;
3. Identify non-technology focused policy instrument and assess their potential to reduce resource use;
4. Investigate possible barriers to the instruments' resource savings potential and to implementing the instruments.

In order to achieve these objectives, the research project will use trend analysis, milieu-focused research, expert interviews, workshops, focus groups and online communities.

Ecologic Institute coordinates the research project and is responsible for identifying and assessing policy instruments.