To a large extent, decision makers are guided by evidence, meaning any form of direct insight with a particular claim to truth (in contrast to the narrower Anglo-American understanding of evidence). The Wuppertal Institute supports decision-making processes in various fields of action with its research based on scientific facts. On the one hand, this includes the transformation towards a step-by-step, dematerialised circular economy and, on the other hand, implementation of the energy transition ("Energiewende"). Those two transformation processes can only be achieved by cultural, social, and technological innovations at all levels – from households and municipal administrations to transnational corporations and the United Nations. Depending on their political context of action, economic and political decision makers need different evidence to deal with the upcoming innovations.

Depending on the context, simple narratives or heuristics (rules of thumb) can contribute to this. Otherwise, complex quantitative empirical evidence and intricate modelling are necessary. For this the Wuppertal Institute provides the necessary tools. One important field of application for innovation-related evidence is structural policy (regional policy, economic and innovation promotion) with references to the environmental economy (green economy) and transformation research. Furthermore, the Wuppertal Institute supports national and European decision makers when it comes to the development and multi-criteria assessment by providing impact assessments and evaluations.