Concerns about the long-term sustainability of our economic model are growing, with more people questioning its long-term environmental impact. How can Europe’s economy grow in a sustainable way that doesn’t damage the environment while at the same time remaining competitive? What should be the main components of a more sustainable economy? What are the EU’s strengths that can be built upon and what tools are already available?

To address these questions, the European Policy Centre held a Thought Leadership Forum with Gunter Pauli, global entrepreneur and author of over 20 books, including The Blue Economy. He was the special guest at the UNCED in Rio for having created the first zero-emissions factory. The Japanese Government invited him with the support of the United Nations University to head a think tank in Tokyo to imagine business models of the future. Now 25 years later, with $5 billion invested and 200+ projects implemented, he argues that there is a need for a fundamental transformation of the economy. In this forum, Gunter Pauli set out his views on the interlinkages between sustainability and competitiveness, and what needs to be done to transform the European industry and the economy in line with sustainability priorities.