An international study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) reveals: Eight success factors are driving Europe’s green industrial revolution. They are the key to Greentech, Green Business, and the sustainable transformation of our economy.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: Nick Fewings via Unsplash
The new Fraunhofer ISI study examines how Europe’s industrial regions are becoming more climate-friendly. Ten pioneering regions were analyzed: the Basque Country, Flanders, Île-de-France, Limburg, Upper Austria, East Central Sweden, Eastern Slovenia, the Ruhr Area, Southern Finland, and the West Midlands.
These regions demonstrate what makes sustainable transformation successful.
Successful regions share a clear idea: Industry should not disappear, but become more sustainable. This requires a common vision and a strategic roadmap. Ambitious goals create motivation and guidance – for politics, business, and research alike.
Regions Must be Able to Steer Their Own Development
It is particularly crucial that regions can steer their own development. Where political competencies and budgets are regionally anchored, change happens faster. Flanders, Upper Austria, and the Ruhr Area utilize this scope for action to pursue their individual path towards sustainable transformation.
The legal framework also plays a central role. Clear climate targets, tax incentives, and predictable funding conditions create security – and promote investments in Greentech. When companies know that sustainable innovations pay off in the long term, their willingness to explore new avenues increases.
Targeted Funding Programs and Financial Aid are Strong Levers
Targeted funding programs and financial aid act as a strong lever. The more precisely the support is tailored to the needs of companies and research institutions, the greater its effect. Networks, innovation clusters, or favorable loans facilitate the transition to climate-friendly solutions.
Large showcase projects are also crucial. They demonstrate that change is feasible and build trust. Whether hydrogen plants in Île-de-France or climate-friendly steel production in the Ruhr Area – such beacon projects provide guidance and inspire other stakeholders to take action.
At the heart of the transformation are green technologies themselves. Greentech combines ecology and economy – for example, through hydrogen solutions, circular economy, or energy-efficient production processes. Regions like the Ruhr Area are investing heavily in electrolysis capacities, hydrogen pipelines, and innovative research partnerships.
Close Collaboration Strengthens Green Business Models in the Region
Science and business work closely together. Research institutions and universities provide new knowledge, train skilled workers, and promote the transfer of innovation into practice. Initiatives like Greentech.Ruhr demonstrate how effectively this collaboration can function: Over 260 partners from industry, science, and startups are actively driving change there.
Another success factor is the targeted qualification of the workforce. New technologies demand new competencies. Further training, retraining, and lifelong learning are central components to prepare employees for the green business of the future. Regions like Upper Austria or the West Midlands are considered pioneers in this regard, with concrete further training strategies.
“The green economy offers huge opportunities – we must make them more visible,” demand experts like David Timis, Global Shaper at WEF.
TransformIT – Europe’s New Leading Trade Fair for Sustainable Transformation
The themes of Greentech, Green Business, and sustainable transformation are at the heart of the TransformIT trade fair and conference in May 2026 in Brussels.
Its goal is to become Europe’s largest platform for sustainable technologies and digital transformation. Here, companies, research institutions, and political decision-makers meet to jointly develop solutions for a climate-friendly economy.
TransformIT thus creates not only exchange and knowledge transfer but also concrete application examples and partnerships – an important step to actively accelerate sustainable transformation in Europe.
The green transformation is no longer a vision – it is already happening. Regions like the Ruhr Area, Flanders, Upper Austria, or Île-de-France demonstrate that a climate-friendly industry is possible when clear strategies, bold funding, modern Greentech solutions, and qualified skilled workers work together.
With the new TransformIT trade fair and conference, this transformation gains the perfect stage: A place where ideas, technologies, and people come together to shape Europe’s path to a sustainable future – collaboratively, networked, and future-oriented.
Sources & Links
