“We need more passion for the future”

What do we mean by sustainable transformation? 

Nicola Blum: Sustainable transformation is defined as a change in society, the economy and politics towards greater social and environmental sustainability.

Manuel Fischer: Exactly. It is about social change and becoming sustainable. The goal is a change in the system, but also a profound transformation of the system at multiple levels. 

Why does society need a sustainable transformation? 

Nicola Blum: We need a sustainable transformation in order to find answers to the major challenges of our time: climate change, environmental pollution, decline in biodiversity, demographic change in Europe, etc.

Manuel Fischer: The current state of our economic activity and lifestyle has far exceeded the environmental limits of our planet, endangering our livelihood. At the same time, it also exacerbate social inequalities. There is an urgent need for novel approaches to thinking, new narratives, role models and behavioural patterns, as well as social and technical innovations. 

How much progress has been made so far?

Manuel Fischer: According to the United Nations’ global Sustainable Development Goals, no country is on track to achieve these objectives. Without fundamental changes, the majority of the UN goals will not be reached by 2030.

In Switzerland, we have even regressed, going back to the levels observed in 2018. 

What needs to be done in terms of sustainable transformation? 

Nicola Blum: We must embrace innovation, break new ground in the economy and explore unconventional approaches in politics and in living together as a society. I am also thinking of the care and integration of an ageing population with overburdened families. And of communal food production. A series of measures will be necessary to achieve this. 

Manuel Fischer: It is also imperative that we develop again a more comprehensive understanding or a systemic perspective on our world, with all its complexities. We can no longer adopt a silo mentality in our universities and administration. And of course, we need new technologies, e.g. for alternative energies and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

What mindset is required to overcome such seemingly insurmountable challenges?

Nicola Blum: Serenity and curiosity. But also the ability to look forward to change and try out new things. To get involved in new things and experiences is actually quite exciting. Why not travel by train for your vacations in Italy and explore Milan on the way? Or run an allotment garden or share a car with your neighbours?

Manuel Fischer: From my point of view, we urgently need more passion for the future again. We must develop a love of commitment, of experimentation and of creativity and believe in the effectiveness of our actions again. In view of the situation, it is fully normal to feel deterred. But we must not let this paralyse us.

The concept of sufficiency is a recurring theme. How do we get people to consume less?

Nicola Blum: Part of the solution may involve a shift from consuming ‘products’ to buying ‘services’, for example purchasing mobility solutions instead of owning a car, having a clothing subscription instead of always buying new clothes, or renting an apartment instead of owning a house. There are often positive side effects: it saves customers time, reduces their mental load and allows them to use something more up to date from time to time, such as a new car.

Manuel Fischer: Economics and research on happiness clearly indicate that we would be happier and more satisfied with a reduced material consumption. Concurrently, we are observing the growth of innovative, sustainable offerings and an increase in conscientious consumerism. If this trend continues growing, a tipping point is reached, allowing a sudden shift towards sufficiency.

How can science and BFH contribute to sustainable transformation? 

Nicola Blum: Our university can research new products and services, and support them technically and in their implementation on the market. In addition, we can inform policymakers about possible (mis)incentives and contribute solutions. Furthermore, we can support start-ups and their innovative ideas and train students to think critically and in a solution-oriented way.

Manuel Fischer: Absolutely. Teaching and training are our key levers. We can also drive the transformation forward through socially relevant research, the development of new products and services, and active, bold participation in social dialogue.