02 January 2008

GPPi launches Global Energy Governance research program

The Global Public Policy Institute, Berlin, in partnership with the New America Foundation, launched a new research program entitled "Changing Rules of the Game: Global Energy Governance in the 21st Century". The research program is supported by a two-year "EU-US Policy Research and Debate" grant from the European Commission, the Dräger Foundation, and the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

This new research and dialogue program is based on a unique network of transatlantic organizations combining the analytical community with organizations directly involved in energy governance issues. The “Global Energy Governance” project will build on a two-pronged approach of applied research and the Transatlantic Energy Security Dialogues (TESD), GPPi's established multi-stakeholder conference series bringing together EU and US policy-makers, representatives of think tanks, NGOs, academia and the private sector. Research and dialogue will be closely integrated and implemented in parallel. 

In terms of substantive research focus, the project builds on some of the most pressing topics in energy governance, and focuses on three specific questions: First, what are the functional logics of existing institutions governing oil and gas markets? Second, how do these institutions need to adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century in terms of security of supply at affordable prices, environmental sustainability and good governance? And third, what can and should be the contribution of the transatlantic alliance in managing this crucial transformation process? Research will consider all main governance institutions regulating each aspect of the global energy market (institutions governing financial markets; investment treaties and bilateral, regional and global trade agreements; transit and transportation arrangements; and short-term supply risks on the consumers’ side and supply management on the producers’ side). 

In order to best approach the questions being raised , the project employs a uniquely collaborative approach on two separate levels: First, by engaging stakeholders from all sectors – industry, government, academe and civil society – throughout the process, including the establishment of a multi-sectoral Project Steering Committee; and second, through a transatlantic partnership between GPPi and the New America Foundation.

To ensure that the key project findings are heard throughout the policy world, the research process will include conferences (conducted through our established TESD program), author workshops, “policy breakfasts”, and a concluding Learning Forum, all of which will include representatives from government, industry, academe, civil society and the media. A high-level Project Steering Committee will guide the project through its entirety and provide feedback throughout the process.

To visit the project page, please click here.

For more information, please contact Jan Martin Witte, Wade Hoxtell or Andreas Goldthau.

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