The Oeko-Institut is one of Europe’s leading independent research and consultancy organisations working for a sustainable future. Founded in 1977, it develops principles and strategies for realising the vision of sustainable development at global, national and local level. Based on value-oriented research, the Oeko-Institut provides consultancy services for decision-makers in politics, industry and civil society on topics such as Chemicals Management and Technology Assessment, Energy and Climate, Emission and Ambient Pollution Control, Radiation Protection, Agriculture and Biodiversity, Sustainable Consumption, Mobility, Resource Management and Industry, Nuclear Engineering and Facility Safety, and Law, Policy and Governance.
Since its establishment, the Oeko-Institut has worked across disciplines with partners from industry, academia and civil society, participating in joint projects and networks wherever this is helpful in terms of the issues being addressed. Its main clients include ministries at the federal and Land level, businesses and the European Union. It also takes on commissions from NGOs and environmental organisations. The Oeko-Institut is a non-profit association. Its financial resources come mainly from third-party project-based funding.
VISION
The aim of their work is to contribute to the preservation of the environment and of natural resources, and to ensure the foundation on which all human life depends, for present and future generations. Oriented at finding solutions, they apply their ideas, their scientific expertise and their consulting capabilities to initiate and form the necessary transformations of policy and society. They believe that such transformation processes must be democratic and equitable – also on the international level. Realising this vision and promoting sustainable transformations at present and in the future, drives and motivates their everyday work.
MISSION
Research and consultancy
With their scientific expertise and innovative approaches, they work with their partners and clients to build foundations and strategies for sustainable development. They develop practical solutions that can achieve environmental policy goals in an equitable manner – and they advocate for society’s support for these goals. As lateral thinkers, they prioritise the development of solutions in those areas where existing risks render a change of course particularly urgent and important.
Challenging and shaping
They identify the environmental impacts of society’s actions at an early stage and develop alternatives for the future in a global context. They raise awareness of the need for action among decision-makers and the public, convince policy-makers, industry and civil society of necessary change and support them in this endeavour. They are increasingly applying this expertise on the international level.
Facilitation and organisation
They believe that important societal decisions should be based on firm foundations. They thus engage theirselves to ensure that processes are transparent and fair, involving relevant stakeholder groups. They share their research findings with a broad public audience and, using accessible language, advocate for the support of necessary change.
VALUES
Independent and critical
In order to maintain their credibility, both within the Institute and in their relations with others, they conduct their research, analysis and consultancy in an open and self-critical manner. They dare to think “off the beaten track” and present their ideas and insights unbiased by the positions of political and social organisations.
Qualified and engaged
In their pursuit of excellence, they build on the outstanding qualifications and commitment of their staff. Continuous training and learning enables them to develop their methodologies and expand their knowledge on an ongoing basis. This ensures that they continuously expand the boundaries of science and technology.
Participatory and discursive
When developing potential solutions, they create space for alternative ideas and inclusive debate. They encourage the participation of citizens and other relevant actors in open and respectful dialogue.
Transparent and constructive
Open access to knowledge is a valuable good. They ensure that their scientific methods are transparent, and make their findings publicly available as much as possible. In this way, they facilitate critical debate of their findings and opportunities for their further development.
THEIR WORK
Interdisciplinary research
Scientifically founded analyses and recommendations are the key elements of our research and consultancy. They apply an interdisciplinary approach integrating the natural and social sciences and technical, legal and economic aspects. On the basis of widely acknowledged methodologies, extensive knowledge and understanding of various sectors and years of experience, they develop their own methodologies and analytical tools. They expand on the findings of academic research and transform it to enable its practical application.
A transdisciplinary approach
As pioneers of transdisciplinary research, they embark on new paths, beyond classical thought patterns and disciplinary boundaries. They consciously seek dialogue with a diverse range of actors and actively involve them in problem analysis and in the development of creative solutions. They are transparent as to unavailable knowledge, uncertainties and data gaps, going about information processing in such cases in a methodologic and concise way to derive robust conclusions and recommendations. In this way, they deliver ecologically effective, socially equitable, economically feasible and politically viable solutions and foster their implementation.
Global networking
In order to meet their global responsibilities, they participate in national and international networks, help them develop and initiate new networks of their own. They actively seek to build strategic partnerships and networks with other organisations in order to foster dialogue and to promote the mutual development of capabilities. Open dialogue, intercultural sensitivity and cooperation among equals, as a reflection of mutual respect, are the driving force behind their success.
THEIR ORGANISATION
The Oeko-Institut is an independent non-profit association. They fund their work primarily through projects commissioned by the public and private sector. Membership fees and donations allow them to embark on projects they deem to be of particular social importance, which could not be realised solely based on their commissions and grants.
Engaged and dedicated staff
The extraordinary motivation and competence of their staff members, along with a diversity of viewpoints and strong personalities, are at the Oeko-Institut’s core. They offer an attractive workplace to experienced professionals and ambitious young talents alike. They provide outstanding opportunities for professional development in a respectful working environment. As an employer, they are committed to gender equality and aim to meet individual needs for a work/life balance.
Effective internal structures
In a dynamic research and consultancy landscape, they are continuously developing their internal structures in line with the principles of decentralized responsibility. This means participatory decision-making, a high level of individual autonomy and responsibility, and efficient and transparent processes with clearly defined roles. Their research divisions are independent, insofar that they develop their own thematic profiles and ensure the quality of their projects. The central services departments ensure that research runs smoothly in a well-organised operational setting. The Executive Board is responsible for overall strategic development and core management functions.
