A New Generation of Industrial and Sustainability Policies for the Net Zero Transition

The present work aims to contribute to the identification of new conceptual frontiers that can enhance the design and implementation of Net Zero Transition policies to make them more effective and achieve the set objectives. Under this consideration, systemic collaboration among stakeholders is crucial, especially when it comes to implementing green industrial policies due to the complexity they entail. In this perspective, the present contribution seeks to define a specific methodological framework that facilitates the development of provincial and regional roadmaps for transitioning key sectors of the economy, both in terms of reduction of pollutant emissions and new employment and industrial growth sectors. To pursue such objective policies and initiatives need to harmonize Net Zero measures with social needs to achieve the expected Just Transition. An essential characteristic of this work is its focus on sub-national and local approach in the design and implementation of transition policies, as these are the specific physical, relational, and economic spaces where the transition takes place. Finally, this work proposes a theoretical framework that should be enhanced and refined through collaborative iterations with the relevant stakeholders. The goal is for the related recommendations and proposals arising to not only be founded on solid theoretical foundations but, most importantly, to fully embrace the complexity of the territorial real-world context and address it through a collective and systematic endeavor.