RECODE MLG is an EU-funded Horizon project, launched earlier this year, that seeks to analyze and assess the governance of the “twin transition” and explore opportunities for co-creating related policies. But what exactly is the “twin transition,” and why are governance and democracy so crucial in this context? What are the objectives of the project? Who is involved? To find out more, we spoke with Amanda Machin, researcher at the University of Agder and coordinator of this project, to share her insights on the initiative and the international collaboration behind it.
(1) Photo credit: Amanda Machin, personal archive
We understand that the “twin transition” refers to aligning digitalization with the sustainability transformation. Could you elaborate on the challenges and opportunities this presents for governments and societies?
Amanda Machin (AM): Digitalization, of course, comes with enormous energy demands and often involves the intensive use of natural resources. However, it can also offer so-called “smart” solutions for the green economy and support institutions in coordinating responses to natural hazards and disasters. To ensure that digital technologies contribute to — rather than undermine — sustainability efforts, appropriate policies need to be implemented. And these policies must work for the individuals, communities, and businesses they affect. This is a challenge faced by governments across Europe and beyond. But we believe that citizens, civil society, and industry actors can offer valuable knowledge and ideas.
How does RECODE MLG propose to address the challenges created by the twin transition? An example would be helpful.
AM: One of the project’s key aims is to explore how different social groups can be included in the co-creation of policies related to the twin transition. For example, imagine a community in a region where public transportation is being digitalized. This could help reduce road congestion and vehicle emissions—but it will also affect ticketing systems and service delivery. So, we are interested in exploring how the community can be involved in the planning process, to ensure that development is both efficient and equitable.
Was this the inspiration behind the project? Could you tell us how it came about?
AM: The project consortium is a group of researchers working on European politics, EU policymaking, multilevel governance, democracy, environmental politics, and digitalization. We were eager to learn more about the implications of the twin transition for political institutions and democratic values. Our questions included: who is making the decisions regarding the digital and green transitions, and who is being excluded? How can policies be co-created with citizens and stakeholders? The team at the University of Agder assembled a consortium to tackle these complex questions and work toward practical solutions.
The consortium includes nine partners from seven European countries. How has the collaboration gone so far? Have there been any challenges?
AM: I’m thrilled to be working with such a fantastic consortium—comprised of people from different countries, disciplines, and career stages. Everyone is very committed and supportive. One of the main challenges has been coordinating meeting times, but online platforms have made this much easier. We have a great team at the University of Agder, including Karin Fossheim, professor Stefan Gänzle and professor Jarle Trondal, who work together really well and that is also very important.
If you had to name the three core values or principles guiding RECODE, what would they be?
AM: First, we’re committed to producing high-quality research that is both academically rigorous and useful for local authorities seeking to engage with citizens and stakeholders. So, research excellence is a key value. Second, we really value the inclusive spirit of our consortium—members listen to one another (even when they disagree) and are very supportive, especially of junior colleagues. So, inclusivity is another core principle. Lastly, we want our findings to be relevant for future research and policymaking, so durability is our third guiding principle.
You recently published an article in a prestigious scientific journal offering a critical perspective on the European Green Deal (EGD). Could you share one key insight from that work? And what are you currently focusing on as a researcher?
AM: That article was part of a special issue brilliantly coordinated by Aron Buzogány, Louisa Parks, and Diarmuid Torney. It examined how the EGD aligns with various democratic ideals and practices. The basic premise is that if the EGD is to succeed, it must be democratic—but, of course, democracy can mean many different things. My analysis focused on the political imaginary underlying the EGD’s policies and documents. Political imaginaries shape the taken-for-granted background of political interactions and institutions. One area I’m currently exploring is how these imaginaries frame democracy, how they can be identified and compared, and how they might be transformed.
(2) Prof. Amanda Machin, Prof. Stefan Gänzle & Prof. Jarle Trondal
