TwinTrans4MAtion

In the wake of the coal phase-out, the Rhineland mining region faces the enormous task of redefining industrial value creation and employment. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia is pursuing the vision of a circular economy, aiming to generate new growth momentum through resource efficiency and innovative business models. However, reality shows that the ecological, circular transformation is inextricably linked to the digital transformation. This dual transition – also known as the "twin transformation" – must not only succeed technologically, but above all be designed to be socially sustainable, so as not to exacerbate the shortage of skilled workers in the region by creating additional barriers.

Against this backdrop, researchers at the Wuppertal Institute are playing a central role in analysing and conceptualising the circular dimension of the Twin Transformation as part of the TwinTrans4MAtion collaborative project. Whilst RWTH Aachen University focuses on shaping change in a people-centred way and the strategic management of (digital) transformation, researchers at the Wuppertal Institute concentrate on the systemic level of a digitalised circular economy. They analyse how companies and their employees can specifically benefit from the introduction of digital technologies and tools in order to successfully implement higher-value circular strategies such as reuse, refurbishment and repair. In doing so, they go beyond a purely technical perspective and specifically identify social risks. For example, they investigate the extent to which the circular transformation threatens existing forms of employment, or how new, attractive fields of work can emerge in the skilled trades and manufacturing sector of the Rhineland mining region.

During the conceptual phase, which ran from September 2025 to January 2026, the researchers prepared for the subsequent implementation phase using a multi-stage scientific approach. First, they conducted a thorough potential analysis based on a comprehensive literature review and qualitative expert interviews with company representatives, political stakeholders and intermediaries in the Rhineland mining region. These findings were subsequently incorporated into a large-scale real-time Delphi study (a multi-stage survey method) conducted by the Institute of Ergonomics. In addition, the researchers derived concrete visions of the future as well as research and development projects for the planned implementation phase. This is intended to ensure that the environmental goals of the circular economy are aligned with the social requirements of a digitalised world of work.

The findings culminated in a detailed overall plan for the implementation phase, and the insights gained regarding the structural significance of a digitally supported circular economy in the Rhineland mining region were incorporated into national and European research initiatives.