Last week, UNU-MERIT hosted representatives from the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Maastricht. The visit marked a significant moment for both institutions, as they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and laid the groundwork for a deeper partnership. The agreement culminates years of fruitful collaboration on research projects and signals an ambition to scale up these interactions into a coordinated and impactful effort.
About IDOS
IDOS, based in Bonn, Germany, is a globally recognised institute that focuses on policy-oriented research addressing development and sustainability. With a strong reputation for bridging the gap between research and policymaking, IDOS works closely with governments, international organizations, and academic institutions to provide actionable policy recommendations for addressing pressing global challenges.
A Longstanding Partnership Evolving into Something Greater
Over the years, UNU-MERIT and IDOS have worked together on research initiatives addressing complex global issues, ranging from trade and sustainability to social policy and governance. This new MoU reflects a shared vision to go beyond individual collaborations and pursue a clustered approach. By combining their strengths, the two institutions aim to deliver insights and solutions that are both academically rigorous and highly relevant to policymakers.
The agreement sets the stage for collaboration in three critical areas:
- Climate change and sustainability, focusing on topics such as green and circular economies, climate finance, and the implications of carbon pricing.
- Trade and industrial policy, examining issues like critical minerals, EU green tariffs, and strategies for sustainable industrial growth.
- Social policy, exploring themes such as social protection in EU neighboring countries, labor market transformations, and the renegotiation of social contracts.
This agenda not only reflects the expertise of both institutions but also aligns with their shared commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and interdisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Rasmus Lema, Associate Professor at UNU-MERIT, on the new partnership:
“We signed the MoU to bring together our strengths in fostering research and capacity-building for sustainable development. UNU-MERIT excels in innovation, technology, and governance, which aligns perfectly with IDOS’s expertise in policy-oriented research for global development and sustainability. This partnership creates a unique synergy, combining theoretically informed, evidence-based innovation and governance expertise with actionable, policy-oriented development research. By pooling our resources, capabilities, and networks, we aim to make a stronger impact on global policy debates and address complex global challenges more effectively.
Our collaboration focuses on three key areas: climate change and sustainability, trade and industrial policy, and social policy. These themes align closely with both institutions’ priorities and the pressing global issues we aim to tackle. By working together through co-organized conferences, joint publications, and training programs, we aspire to bridge the gap between research and policymaking, creating solutions for a sustainable future.”
Prof. Dr. Clara Brandi, Head of Programme, IDOS, added:
“We’re excited to partner with UNU-MERIT to advance research and policy advice for sustainable development. Our goal is to cooperate to jointly tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, trade and industrial policy, and social protection—bridging the gap between research and policymaking. By combining IDOS’s expertise in policy-oriented research on development and sustainability with UNU-MERIT’s strengths in innovation, technology, and governance, we are creating powerful synergies. Together, we will deliver actionable insights through joint research, co-organized conferences, and impactful policy advice to shape global development.”
A Shared Vision for Global Impact
The signing of this MoU represents more than just a formalization of the relationship between UNU-MERIT and IDOS; it reflects a shared commitment to making meaningful contributions to global sustainable development. Both institutions recognize that today’s challenges, from climate change to socio-economic inequalities, require interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration across sectors.
This partnership brings together UNU-MERIT’s strengths in advanced research methods and innovation-focused studies with IDOS’s policy-driven, applied research expertise. Together, the two institutions aim to foster solutions that are both academically robust and practical for implementation.
The collaboration will involve activities such as joint research projects, co-organized conferences, and tailored capacity-building programs. These efforts are designed to not only advance the academic understanding of key global issues but also provide policymakers with actionable insights to shape a better future.
By formalizing their partnership, UNU-MERIT and IDOS are signaling their intent to amplify their combined impact. This is an important step forward in ensuring that cutting-edge research reaches the hands of those who can turn it into transformative policies for a more sustainable and equitable world.
