As part of its mission, IIASA aims to provide scientific guidance to policymakers by finding solutions to global problems through applied systems analysis. Through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, the Institute delivers independent, science-based insights into critical policy issues, supporting evidence-informed decision-making on challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.
According to the Overton database, in 2024, IIASA's research was cited in 972 policy documents across 37 countries, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted source of science-based insights for evidence-informed policymaking. From shaping the European Commission’s 2040 climate target recommendation to supporting national strategies on energy, land use, and resilience, IIASA played a critical role in translating complex systems analysis into impactful policy solutions that advance global sustainability goals. Below we provide examples of how IIASA research has contributed to specific policies of direct interest to its member organizations.
Supporting biodiversity policymaking in the EU
IIASA researchers led a study conducted by a large European consortium to provide vital insights into the current status of biodiversity monitoring in Europe, identifying policy needs, challenges, and future pathways. Based on this study, a proposal for a European Biodiversity Observation Coordination Centre (EBOCC) was presented to the European Commission and the European Environment Agency, triggering the launch of a tender endorsed by the European Parliament to fund the launch of the EBOCC.
IIASA also led the development of the Mean Target Achievement indicator, helping to measure progress in ecological representativeness of protected areas in the EU. The indicator is planned to be formally adopted by the EU Biodiversity Platform (including the Commission, delegations of each EU Member State, and other stakeholders) and will be reported officially in the EU Biodiversity Dashboard.
In addition, IIASA organized the first Forest Policy Modeling Forum in Brussels, bringing together policymakers and modelers at the EU and Member State level to discuss ex-ante modeling needs and support forest policy for a better climate, improved biodiversity, and a thriving bioeconomy across the EU.
Working with the government of India toward the net-zero transition
IIASA research contributed to a report prepared for the Government of India, exploring scenarios for achieving net-zero emissions while balancing its developmental priorities. Titled “Synchronizing Energy Transitions Toward Possible Net Zero for India: Affordable and Clean Energy for All”, the report aims to inform the energy needs for meeting high levels of the Human Development Index (HDI) in net-zero scenarios. The findings are relevant for planning India's climate policies to attain net-zero emissions by 2070 with a focus on the energy sector.
The report was launched by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and was circulated among relevant national ministries, state governments, and think tanks.
This work builds on previous successful collaborations between IIASA and India, including the Institute’s contribution to the G20 process during the 2023 G20 Presidency of India.
Cooperating with the World Bank to improve water security in Europe and Central Asia
IIASA researchers cooperated with the World Bank to produce a report titled “A Blueprint for Resilience: Charting the Course for Water Security in Europe and Central Asia,” which provides a methodological framework, in-depth analysis, and actionable recommendations to strengthen water security and build resilience in the face of climate change, rising water demands, and growing geopolitical tensions.
The report builds on an IIASA project funded by the World Bank, as part of which IIASA developed a robust methodology to assess water security progress and opportunities at national and regional levels. This methodology was successfully tested in 14 countries and two regions, forming the basis for the insights and strategies presented in the report.
Working across sectors with policymakers in Africa
IIASA researchers analyzed the urgent challenges in managing the water-energy-land nexus in the Zambezi River Basin, combining policy-relevant stakeholder scenarios with integrated nexus modeling tools to identify key solutions for sustainable development. Through a stakeholder-driven approach, an integrated nexus modeling framework was developed, supported by the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM). ZAMCOM serves as the coordinating body for the basin, facilitating dialogue between Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to align national investments and support sustainable development in the region.
IIASA researchers also contributed to a new project launched in Uganda, involving several international partners. Researchers worked directly with Ugandan stakeholders to co-develop a national strategy for organic waste management in the country.
In addition, seeking to equip African researchers, analysts, business, and policymakers with the knowledge necessary to navigate the water-energy-land nexus, IIASA scientists conducted online training in planning, scenarios, and policy analysis of the water-energy-land nexus for equitable development in rural Africa.
Guiding climate policy in Austria
IIASA joined a diverse scientific consortium of experts who evaluated Austria’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for the period 2021-2030 and proposed measures to address current plan deficiencies and help Austria reach its climate goals.
As part of this work, researchers reviewed more than 1,000 improvement suggestions, gathered by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action through a public consultation, assessing and ranking them. The measures elevated to the highest priority level were the ones deemed the most straightforward and cost-effective to implement, as well as promising substantial CO2 reductions. Those included CO2 capture and storage from waste incineration and cement production, new speed limits of 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) on motorways, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 30 km/h in urban areas, and many others. The findings were presented at a press conference, organized by the Climate Change Centre Austria. This assessment helped to guide Austrian climate policy towards the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.