Nadejda Komendantova, the Cooperation and Transformative Governance Research Group leader, and Dmitry Erokhin, a researcher at IIASA, prepared a case study on the application of science, technology and innovation solutions to increase participation in climate change adaptation. In this case study, they discuss best-practice solutions as well as their internal and external validity. The case study served as an input to the 9th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals held on May 9-10, 2024, at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.

New York, USA – May 10, 2024 – Nadejda Komendantova, the Cooperation and Transformative Governance Research Group leader, and Dmitry Erokhin, a researcher at IIASA, prepared a case study on the application of science, technology and innovation solutions to increase participation in climate change adaptation. The case study served as an input to Session 2: Strengthening scientific cooperation, technology and knowledge sharing and accelerating innovation for integrated climate action (SDG13) of the 9th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals held on May 9-10, 2024, at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.

The authors analysed participatory elements in national climate change adaptation policies and determined that the application of science, technology, and innovation (STI) solutions plays a crucial role in increasing and enhancing participation in climate change adaptation. By leveraging advanced technologies, scientific research, and innovative approaches, it becomes possible to engage a wider range of stakeholders, improve decision-making processes, and implement effective adaptation measures. In this case study, the authors discuss best-practice solutions they encountered in German policies as well as their internal and external validity.

“The application of science, technology, and innovation solutions in climate change adaptation is essential for building resilience, enhancing participation, and fostering sustainable development. The best practices highlighted in this case study demonstrate the diverse ways in which STI solutions are being leveraged to address climate challenges. By continuously evaluating their internal and external validity and identifying opportunities for additional applications, countries and stakeholders can further advance their climate change adaptation efforts, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future,” state the authors.

To read more on the 9th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals click here.

To read the full text of the case study click here. 

The case study was conducted as part of the EU-funded Adaptation AGORA (A Gathering place to cO-design and co-cReate Adaptation) project, which aims to enhance collective resilience against climate change by establishing community-based adaptation practices in various social, economic and political contexts.

To read more on the Adaptation AGORA click here. 

News

dreamstime_l_17712570

16 October 2026

Getting back on track to reduce methane emissions

A new study, led by IIASA researchers and coauthored by UNEP colleagues, finds that if governments fully implement their methane reduction plans, they could reduce global emissions by 11% between 2020 and 2030. This would reverse the current trend of increasing methane emissions, but would not be sufficient to achieve the goal of the Global Methane Pledge. 
Dreamstime_171340883

01 October 2026

Where the waters meet: Connecting global limits and local water management

Human activity and climate change are putting growing pressure on water resources, disrupting the predictability of the water cycle, and changing the availability and quality of freshwater. IIASA researchers and partners have developed a new framework for guiding water management and planning at the river-basin level, derived from the existing Global Water Planetary Boundary.
Austrian Parliament Building, historic landmark in Vienna

10 September 2026

Emotionalization of Political Discourse: IIASA Researcher Presents Study at the Day of Parliamentary Research 2026

Dmitry Erokhin, PhD, Research Scholar at IIASA, presents a poster on the emotionalization of political discourse at the Day of Parliamentary Research 2026 at the Austrian Parliament. His study analyzes public comments on YouTube videos related to major Austrian political parties and applies sentiment and topic analysis to examine how emotions, facts, polarization, and toxicity shape online political debate. The findings provide insights into how digital media influences public perceptions of parties and democratic processes, and how parliaments can better respond to emotionally charged political communication.