On 28 April 2026, the ACCREU project hosted a one-day reflexive forum in Brussels titled “The Economics of Transformational Adaptation: Towards a New Research Agenda“. Held at Sparks Meeting venue, the event brought together high-level experts from various academic disciplines and policy-making to discuss a critical knowledge gap: the economic foundations of transformational climate adaptation.
While calls for transformational adaptation, changes to the fundamental attributes of social-ecological systems, are increasing globally, there remains limited research on its economic implications. Current economic frameworks and appraisal methods might not be suited for the assessment of transformational adaptation, which may act as a barrier to scaling up the large-scale governance and behavioural shifts required to meet climate adaptation goals.
The forum was designed to foster deep dialogue through several key sessions:
- Bridging concepts from adaptation to economics: Kicked off by a presentation by Robbert Biesbroek (Wageningen University & Research) and three lightning talks by Ana Terra Amorim (BC3), Christian Matti (European Commission, JRC) and Kit England (Paul Watkiss Associates) about different transformational adaptation characteristics participants explored whether current or innovative economic approaches can capture characteristics such as system-level change, equity, and inclusion.
- The economic case for transformational adaptation: Starting with short inputs, a “World Café” session investigated whether conventional economic appraisals hinder transformational projects and how these barriers might be overcome.
- Climate Shocks and transformational change: In an exploratory exercise, participants explored what successful transformational adaptation might look like and discussed whether transformational adaptation – compared to incremental – is necessary, can be successful and what could trigger it.
In the final session, research needs were gathered and exchanged. The insights gathered during the day will form the basis of a new research agenda. The findings are intended to be published as a policy brief and an academic article to guide future public policy and private investment decisions.
Reflexive Workshop Briefing summary