Thünen Institute of Rural Studies.

Bundesallee 64 38116 Braunschweig

We do scientific groundwork for the sustainable development of rural areas.

In this context we assume that many rural regions in Germany will face more demographic, economic and ecological challenges in the future.

In order to provide science-based decision-making support for policymakers, we focus on the following main questions:

  •     How do the objective and subjective living conditions change in different rural areas, for instance, as a consequence of population aging and shrinking?
  •     Which factors lead to some rural areas developing successfully economically and others not?
  •     How do agriculture and land use changes impact on the state of natural resources in rural areas?
  •     How do policymakers intervene in all these developments? What other options for action are there and how effective and efficient are they?

We look at rural areas from a territorial perspective in the context of the overall situation. The important role played by agriculture, forestry and the food industry in rural areas is also taken into account. The choice of a territorial perspective makes sense because rural areas are residential areas and living environment for many people in Germany. They fulfil diverse social functions which go far beyond agricultural and forestry production. They are the location of many small and medium enterprises, a place for leisure and recreation and sites of ecological compensation for agglomerations.

Our research mainly focuses on Germany and the EU. In this way we can take a differentiated look at regional diversity in Germany. At the same time, we learn from the experiences in other rural areas within the EU.

We make use of a broad spectrum of methods and theories from economics and the social sciences. We work on an interdisciplinary basis and co-operate with numerous agricultural, spatial, regional and natural science research institutions in Germany and Europe. An interdisciplinary approach is essential if the multi-layered research subject "rural areas" is to be treated in an adequate manner. Our numerous contacts with stakeholders in rural development coupled with scientific independence facilitate access to expert knowledge and experience. This contributes to scientific progress and to recipient-oriented policy advice.

Our research is mainly empirical. We use data from official statistics and secondary data from other sources. Furthermore, we also carry out many quantitative and qualitative data collections of our own.

 

The Thünen Institute :

What impact does increasing international competition and the demand for bio energy have on prices for food products? What are the effects of climate change have on agricultural, forest and aquatic ecosystems? What processes would allow the non-food sector to use renewable resources in a more efficient manner? These questions give an impression of the broad of spectrum of #topics we work on. We conduct research for policy makers and the society.

  •     We provide political decision makers with scientifically-based decision-making aids on the basis of our own research results.
  •     We take a long-term approach to research and continually carry out monitoring activities. This allows us to obtain valuable statistical series. Moreover, we can call on professional expertise at any time.
  •     We represent German interests in international scientific commissions and bodies.
  •     Results of our work flow into guidelines and standards as well as into regulations and legislation.
  •     Our work contributes to securing the sustainable use of natural resources, serves economic development, and ensures the quality of life for our society.

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