A Leading Voice in Risk Governance and Energy Policy
Prof. Ortwin Renn is a distinguished social scientist specializing in risk governance, environmental sociology, and technology assessment. He has played a pivotal role in shaping energy and sustainability policies by integrating scientific research with stakeholder participation.
Until December 2022, Prof. Renn served as Scientific Director at the International Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) in Potsdam, Germany. He is now Professor Emeritus at the University of Stuttgart and directs DIALOGIK, a research institute dedicated to communication and participation in decision-making. He also holds positions as an Adjunct Professor at Stavanger University (Norway), an Honorary Professor at TU Munich, and an Affiliate Professor at Beijing Normal University.
With a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Cologne, Prof. Renn has held academic positions at Clark University (USA), ETH Zurich, and the Center for Technology Assessment (Stuttgart). His extensive contributions to risk governance have earned him numerous honors, including:
- The National Cross of Merit Order (Germany)
- Honorary Doctorates from ETH Zurich and Mid Sweden University
- The Distinguished Achievement Award (Society for Risk Analysis, SRA)
- The Outstanding Research Award (Society for Integrated Disaster and Risk Management, IDRiM)
- The Order of Merit from Baden-Württemberg for contributions to scientific policy advising
Prof. Renn is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences, and Acatech (German National Academy of Technology and Engineering). His policy influence extends to his service on Chancellor Angela Merkel's Ethics Commission on "The Future of Energy" and the Science and Technology Advisory Council for EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
With over 30 books and 250 peer-reviewed articles, his most recognized work is Risk Governance: Coping with Uncertainty in a Complex World (Earthscan, 2008), a seminal text in the field.
Advancing Transdisciplinary Approaches in Energy Policy
Prof. Renn champions transdisciplinarity, a research approach that integrates diverse stakeholders to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world policy needs. His research emphasizes co-creating knowledge, transformative research, and inclusive governance to address climate change and energy policy challenges.
Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, public skepticism about climate change remains widespread. In Germany, 16% of people consider human-made climate change a fairy tale, while over 40% believe expert opinions are deeply divided. This gap between scientific evidence and public perception highlights the need for participatory policymaking that integrates:
- Systemic Knowledge – Scientific insights into energy systems and climate impacts.
- Orientation Knowledge – Goal-setting strategies for achieving sustainability targets.
- Catalytic Knowledge – Governance processes that translate science into effective policies.
Case Studies in Energy Governance
At DIALOGIK, Prof. Renn has led participatory governance models in major energy policy projects:
- Climate Protection Plan for Baden-Württemberg (Germany)
- A consultation process involving scientific experts, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and randomly selected citizens to develop a climate strategy for the Environmental Ministry.
- The plan combined scientific evidence, stakeholder consensus, and public input, making it both technically sound and socially accepted.
- European Green Deal Participation Framework
- As part of an EU-wide research consortium, his team tested participatory decision-making models across 16 European countries to support the European Green Deal.
- The study found that the most effective approach combined:
- A Group Delphi Process to assess scientific certainty and ambiguity.
- A Stakeholder Round Table to align policy options with industry interests.
- A Citizen Assembly to evaluate trade-offs and provide public recommendations.
- This three-step model ensured science-based, stakeholder-driven, and democratically legitimate policies.
A Vision for Sustainable Energy Transitions
Prof. Renn's research underscores the need for inclusive governance mechanisms to navigate energy transitions and sustainability challenges. His transdisciplinary approach—integrating systemic, goal-oriented, and catalytic knowledge—offers a practical framework for shaping effective energy policies.
As an integral part of AE4H, Prof. Renn's work aligns with the initiative's mission to advance affordable, sustainable energy solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. His expertise in risk governance and participatory policymaking continues to drive innovative solutions for global energy transitions.