The MERGE event “Towards a Prosperous Europe – Shaping Policies for Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing” discussed recent research and policy pathways to an economy that supports sustainable and inclusive wellbeing for all. The event was held on Thursday, 30 October, 3:00-4:30 PM, CET. See recording for the event below.
About the event
The discussion looked at both current key insights and the steps ahead: How to find convergence across policy measures and identify political drivers for the transition towards sustainable and inclusive wellbeing?
With the Competitiveness Compass and the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU has a concrete window to align its governance tools with the goals of sustainable and inclusive wellbeing.
The MERGE science-policy dialogue brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society to reflect on recent MERGE research on policy instruments, and insights from policy deep dives and related policy work in the project. We also had the chance to hear perspectives from EU institutions. This event continues MERGE work towards an integrated system of metrics, models and policies, moving from evidence to action.
The dialogue featured contributions from:
Opening:
- Doris Schroecker, Head of Unit at DG RTD, Industrial Research, Strategy and Coordination.
Presenting MERGE Research:
- Tuuli Hirvilammi, Tampere University
- Magali Brosio, Zoe Institute for Future-fit Economies
- Robert Costanza, Institute for Global Prosperity, University College London
- Andrea Ferrannini, PIN Foundation – Prato Campus of University of Florence
Policy commentary:
- Katia Berti, Head of Unit at DG EMPL, Employment and Social Governance
Open discussion
Key takeaways from the discussion
➜There is no lack of potential policies supporting sustainable and inclusive wellbeing (SIW), ranging from Universal basic income to granting rights to nature. MERGE has compiled a list of 19 carefully scrutinised policy instruments, spanning five themes: access to social services, labour policies, economic transformation, environment, and democracy. Even though the listed policies show promise, many would benefit from further piloting and impact evaluation.
➜ Engagement work with EU policymakers on integrating SIW metrics into governance and monitoring frameworks revealed a clear shift: from simply developing new indicators toward adopting a long-term, integrated approach that breaks silos and cuts across all policy areas. Policymakers emphasised that they do not need more data, but rather actionable insights that connect with political priorities.
➜ MERGE analysis highlights a consensus among hundreds of beyond-GDP indicators: despite methodological and cultural differences, most wellbeing indicators share a common conceptual backbone, condensed into 20 components. The question is not what to measure, but how to measure, and which policies and models support the measurement.
