Research Strategy and Research Priorities

Within its research priority area of ‘responsible land use for resilient ecosystems’, the HNEE focuses on the sustainable use and development of various landscape types, such as forests, open land, peatlands and biosphere reserves. Our scientific activities combine both transfer and application-oriented approaches: on the one hand, innovative findings and solutions are developed in close collaboration with stakeholders from the field, administration, politics and civil society, and transferred to various contexts. On the other hand, the focus is on concrete land-use options and strategies that address both local specificities and global challenges.

The aim is to design land-use systems on a scientific basis that strengthen ecological resilience, preserve biodiversity and, at the same time, take social and economic requirements into account. The research ranges from regional applied projects to participation in national and international networks. In this way, the HNEE makes an effective contribution to the sustainable management of natural resources and promotes the sustainable development of ecosystems at various levels of action.

In its research focus area ‘Economics in the Socio-Ecological Transformation’, the HNEE examines how ecological sustainability and social justice can be strengthened as guiding principles of economic activity. In doing so, it researches and develops approaches for a resource-efficient, participatory and future-oriented economy. The focus includes new business models, alternative value chains and forms of collaboration that enable social change. In its research, the HNEE combines disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives and actively involves all relevant social groups in the processes.

The aim is to provide practical knowledge and innovative solutions for a sustainable transformation of the economy.

Taking the entire value chain into account supports the goal of balancing social, ecological and economic aspects. In this way, the HNEE actively contributes to ensuring that the transformation of the economy and society towards greater sustainability and resilience takes place in a practical and future-oriented manner.

Cooperation between industry and academia and the transfer of scientific findings to business and society are at the heart of all activities – always with clear sustainability goals and a description of the intended positive impacts.