Riding the Renovation Wave

Abstract

The mission-oriented innovation system (MIS) framework is applied to study the sustainability transition in the German building and construction sector. The case study is embedded in the greater context of the European 2030 and 2050 targets and the German ones for 2030 and 2045. Since directionality for missions is exerted through policy, the multilevel governance (MLG) structure is connected to the MIS to provide another analytical lens. Following the steps of problem-solution diagnosis, structural analysis, functional analysis, and system barrier analysis, the following research questions are answered: 1. Given the context of the EU-level mission of doubling the renovation rate until 2030 as a step-stone to achieve climate neutrality in 2050, what systemic barriers hinder Germany to contribute to these goals by reaching its own the respective 2030 and 2045 goals the country has already set? 2. How does the MLG structure influence said MIS in terms of directionality and clarity? A qualitative approach was chosen with 15 interviews, a complementary document analysis, desk research of relevant policy documents, reports, websites, and experts consulted for specific questions. Based on the analysis, various barriers were identified, e.g., the lack of definitions and data by which to assess progress, governance structures being understaffed and underfinanced and yet, of vital importance for mission progress, the inachievability of the mission of a resource, monetary, or time perspective, internal discourses of framing and lobbying put up by incumbents that cements its power by means of standardisation. Possible alleviations and solution pathways are discussed. The thesis closes with reflections on how to improve the MIS framework. The research has been completed without an internship.