JT-OBSERVATORY probes deeper into the need for efficient governance encompassing monitoring and assessment of just transition at local/regional level. To this end, the project aims to explore synergies among Just Transition Observatories, place-based governance, spatial justice, and deliberative democracy, based on a comparative case study analysis in three different coal regions in Greece, Bulgaria, and Poland. The compelling research question relates to the potential contribution of an objective and collectively agreed monitoring and assessment mechanisms at local/regional level, on a “just” energy transition in relation to governance configuration and spatial imbalances. It is also examined whether the current set of just transition policies at local/regional level and the existing structures of the governance system support or impede spatial justice and whether place-based policies are able to mobilize local resources and generate endogenous growth.

Main Activities & Responsibilities: Scientific Responsible of the University of Western Macedonia, participating as Principal Investigator (PI).

Principal Investigator: ELEFTHERIOS TOPALOGLOU

Cooperating Organization(s):

(1) The Mineral & Energy Economy Research Institute (MEERI-Poland)
(2) Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZREDA-Bulgaria)
(3) Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH-Greece)
(4) University of Thessaly (UTH-Greece)