Decarbonising industrial ecosystems

Research in this area explores industrial decarbonization in Europe, evaluating trends, regional factors, and multi-scalar dynamics that influence the transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050 in the manufacturing and energy sectors.

• Peer-reviewed article: Mura M.; Longo M.; Toschi L.; Zanni S.; Visani F.; Bianconcini S., “The role of geographical scales in sustainability transitions: An empirical investigation of the European industrial context”, Ecological Economics, 2021, 183, Article No. 106968, pp. 1–15

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  This study investigates the sustainability transition in Europe using a growth model that assesses the role of geographical scales in the evolution of carbon emissions, with implications for sustainability strategies and public policies.

• Peer-reviewed article: Vagnini, C.; Canal Vieira, L.; Longo, M.; Mura, M., “Regional drivers of industrial decarbonisation: A spatial econometric analysis of 238 EU regions between 2008 and 2020”, Regional Studies, 2024, pp. 1–13

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  This paper enhances the understanding of the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and their impact on decarbonization strategies. The analysis focuses on EU regions where the free movement of goods, capital, labor, and technology generates spatial spillover effects.

This research line investigates regional industrial development scenarios and assesses their externalities across the three pillars of sustainability through quantitative analysis.

• Peer-reviewed article: Mura, M.; Longo, M.; Zanni, S.; Toschi, L., “Exploring socio-economic externalities of development scenarios: An analysis of EU regions from 2008 to 2016”, Journal of Environmental Management, 2023, 332, Article No. 117327, pp. 1–9

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  The study analyzes European development scenarios (2008–2016) based on CO₂ emissions and industrial Gross Value Added (GVA). It maps regions according to green/black growth and de-growth trajectories, assessing impacts on investments, skills, and well-being.

The project examined carbon emission data from key energy-intensive industrial sectors. The analysis enabled the mapping of high carbon-intensity regions across Europe and the identification of regional clusters following similar sustainability transition paths. The findings provide actionable tools to accelerate the shift toward a cleaner and more competitive industry.

• Peer-reviewed article: Mura M.; Longo M.; Toschi L.; Zanni S.; Visani F.; Bianconcini S., “Industrial carbon emission intensity: A comprehensive dataset of European regions”, Data in Brief, 2021, 36, Article No. 107046, pp. 1–4

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  This study presents a dataset on Carbon Emission Intensity (CEI) to analyze the industrial sustainability transition in Europe (2008–2016), aggregating EU ETS and EUROSTAT data across multiple geographical scales.

• Peer-reviewed article: Mura, M.; Longo, M.; Toschi, L.; Zanni, S.; Visani, F.; Bianconcini, S., “Multilevel-growth modeling for the study of sustainability transitions”, MethodsX (Amsterdam), 2021, 8, Article No. 101359, pp. 1–8

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  The paper introduces a four-level growth model to study the sustainability transition in Europe through Carbon Emission Intensity (CEI), offering support for targeted regional policies beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.