Dimitris Kallioras (p), Spyros Niavis, Maria Adamakou, Charalampos Samantzis, Faviola Alexiou

Despoina Kanteler

The need for inclusive energy transition in the machinery sector arises from the evolving nature of work and the accompanying changes in the labor market. In the context of the machinery sector, decarbonization focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the machine production by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and minimizing carbon emissions. Such a transition brings about significant changes in the organization of work within the sector. Traditional roles may evolve or become obsolete, while new skill sets and competencies become increasingly important. As a result, there is a pressing need for inclusivity in managing this transition to ensure that all stakeholders, including employees, are adequately supported and equipped to navigate these changes. Employees play a crucial role in this transition process. It is essential for them to be proactive in upskilling and reskilling to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Additionally, they should actively engage with employers and industry stakeholders to voice their concerns, seek support, and participate in decision-making processes related to energy transition. Guaranteeing the rights of employees during this transition is paramount. This includes ensuring fair treatment, protection against discrimination, and access to training and development opportunities. Labor unions and advocacy groups can play a crucial role in representing the interests of workers and negotiating agreements that safeguard their rights in the face of changing work dynamics. Against the backdrop of inclusivity, the paper presents the results of empirical research that consists of online surveys, expert interviews, and focus group. Through this endeavor, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers are equipped with effective strategies for fostering meaningful public engagement towards energy transition as regards the machinery sector. The paper is structured into sections of diagnosis, scenarios, and policy recommendations and aims at achieving the implementation of the twin transition plan in the machinery section around the axes of improved efficiency, environmental compliance, empowered workforce, and positive stakeholder relations.

Nikolaos Tourlis, Despoina Kanteler (p), Dionysios Giannakopoulos, Dimitris Kallioras, Lefteris Topaloglou

Foteini Pliatsika

Background: The current research aims to analyze the effectiveness and fairness of governance approaches in the transition towards a post-coal economy. This research applies a comparative model in three significant coal regions—Western Macedonia (Greece), Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), and Silesia (Poland)—in order to examine governance strategies and their impact on spatial justice and local engagement. Empirical Methodology: Fieldwork in the three coal-transition regions to capture the situation of just transition governance structures. 42 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with experts representing government departments, industry, civil society organizations, and academics—key actors of the quadruple helix model were conducted. The selection of interviewees was based on a purposive sampling strategy for inclusive representation of perspectives towards just transition governance. Thematic coding was applied to the transcripts of interviews to identify governance challenges and best practices. FCM workshops were subsequently held with more than 20 governance experts following the interviews. The participants were asked to plot causal maps of causal connections among primary governance variables, including policy frameworks, stakeholder participation, economic incentives, and spatial justice considerations. Consolidated cognitive maps provided a graphic and analytic overview of governance types perceived, covering commonalities and issues present in different regions. Scenario simulation was then undertaken to estimate the likely impact of alternative governance forms on balanced transition outcomes. Findings and Discussion: The initial results demonstrate significant regional governance performance imbalances. More specifically in Western Macedonia there exists a good institutional framework but there are low levels of public engagement, whereas the region of Silesia has an industrial diversity plagued by socio-economic disparities. On the other hand, in Stara Zagora, the findings show fragmented governance structures, which translate into fragmented decision-making and a slow process in the just energy transition. Conclusions: This study contributes to just transition research by applying FCM to the study of governance arrangements in coal-transition regions. Through the integration of participatory modeling and expert insights, this research provides a more in-depth insight of governance processes and their implications for equity and spatial justice. Future research is invited to expand FCM applications to other transitioning economies to scale up governance models and inform policy interventions for facilitating equitable energy transitions.

Foteini Pliatsika (p), Despoina Kanteler, Konstantinia Nikolaidou, Spyros Niavis, Eleftherios Topaloglou

Lefteris Topaloglou

The Just Transition (JT) framework, which aims to support regions transitioning away from coal-dependent economies, emphasizes the role of public engagement in a just energy transition governance and recognizes it as a key policy approach especially in regions dependent on coal. However, public engagement strategies have been implemented in varying degrees across the various European regions undergroing energy transition. This research examines the governance models and public engagement dynamics in such three coal-dependent regions: Western Macedonia (Greece), Silesia (Poland), and Stara Zagora (Bulgaria). These regions, with their distinct political, social, and economic contexts, offer insight into the role of public engagement in the Just Transition process as well as the level of engagement that the public has had so far. While Silesia stands out with its participatory governance model, both Western Macedonia and Stara Zagora reflect a top-down approach marked by limited public involvement, state control, and challenges such as political instability and corruption. This contrast underscores the varying degrees of public participation and the resulting impact on the success and acceptance of energy transition policies in these regions.

Sofia Pavlidou, Despoina Kanteler, Ioannis Karagiannis, Panagiotis Pantazis, Lefteris Topaloglou (p), Rafaella-Eleni Sotiropoulou

Dimitris Kallioras

The process of energy transition necessitates that regions with a long-standing dependence on coal should develop simultaneously strategies that address the need for economic restructuring, social equity and environmental sustainability. This article explores the importance of integrating climate vulnerability data into strategies for economic transformation. The research focuses on three European regions that have traditionally shown high coal dependency, Western Macedonia in Greece, Silesia in Poland and Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. Specifically, the contribution of geospatial analysis to the development of investment decision support tools is explored through the literature review. The empirical research in the 3 reference regions involves questionnaires, interviews and focus groups among experts in the quadruple helix to examine optimal land use strategies in relation to promoting resilience and just transition. The findings aim to contribute to the discussion on regional development strategies for high carbon-dependent regions, emphasizing climate vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability (McCauley & Heffron, 2018; Sovacool, 2021).