A system change compass: Implementing the European green deal in a time of recovery

The System Change Compass argues that a profound change in the European economic system is necessary to increase economic resilience and achieve the goals of the European Green Deal and COVID-19 recovery. A systemic approach comprising ten fundamental principles is proposed to create a more sustainable and resilient society.

The analysis identifies eight central economic ecosystems that are intended to fulfil the most important societal needs such as food, mobility, housing and consumer goods. Within these ecosystems, specific "champion orientations" are defined that could act as future key industries in Europe. These "champions" should contribute to building a sustainable, resource-efficient and equitable economy.

Three findings from the System Change Compass are:

1. The existing economic and environmental system has failed and requires a far-reaching transformation aimed at long-term resilience.
   
2. The European Green Deal and the COVID-19 recovery strategy must be seen as two sides of the same coin to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
   
3. In order to achieve this transformation, systemic orientations and political alignments are required that are oriented towards the identified economic ecosystems and champions.