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Science into Policy Written by: Ansa Heyl Energy transition in Jordan: Devising clumsy solutions for wicked problems Jordan is currently exploring a variety of options to satisfy its growing energy demand. These include the deployment of renewable energy technologies to utilize the country’s abundant wind and solar resources, as well as the possible introduction of new resources like shale oil and nuclear. Each of these options comes with its own set of risks and benefits, leaving policymakers with a ‘wicked problem’, in other words, one that is difficult to solve due to incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements. A four-year study by researchers from IIASA, Jordan, and Sweden examined the views and discourses of different stakeholder groups about social, environmental, and economic criteria in the context of risks, benefits, and costs associated with each of the technologies being considered. The extensive stakeholder engagement process included policymakers, members of the financing community, academia, NGOs, energy companies, and mayors of local communities. The data collected during the process were analyzed using several methods of participatory governance research, including multi-criteria decision analysis. "Our work was a step towards developing compromise and ‘clumsy’ solutions – so called because they involve hearing and responding to all worldviews – in the policymaking process on energy transition in Jordan. It showed the whole range of choices and preferences on energy generation technologies not only to us but also to a variety of participating stakeholders. It has raised awareness among participants about differences in the views and risk perceptions of other groups, as well as about how choices within certain parameters translate into trade- offs on technologies," explains Nadya Komendantova, a researcher with the Advanced Systems Analysis Program. The team’s findings are currently being discussed in the context of the Jordanian energy-policy process. Further info: Komendantova N, Ekenberg L, Marashdeh L, Al-Salaymeh A, Danielson M, & Linnerooth-Bayer J (2018). Energy for the Future: Evaluating different electricity- generation technologies against selected performance characteristics and stakeholder preferences: Insights from the case study in Jordan. Mena Select [pure.iiasa.ac.at/15260] Nadya Komendantova: komendan@iiasa.ac.at A VALUABLE TOOL FOR DECISION MAKERS STRENGTHENING THE GLOBAL RESPONSE TO THE THREAT POSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMING POLICIES FOR A DIGITAL WORLD The biannual European and Asian population data sheets produced by the IIASA World Population Program have been presenting summary information about demographic trends, current statistics, and projections since 2006. The 2018 edition provides information on changes in education composition and labor force, measuring economic dependency, and estimating healthy life years and fertility. The data sheets continue to be an invaluable resource for regional and national development practitioners and policymakers. www.iiasa.ac.at/POP/datasheets Multiple IIASA researchers were involved in the production of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recently published Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. In December, policymakers will meet at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) in Poland to review the Paris Agreement, and the Special Report will provide important scientific input. www.iiasa.ac.at/news/IPCC-1.5-18 Research involving IIASA researchers looked into why it is important for consumers, companies, and governments to pay attention to the digitalization of the global economy. Using Finland as a case study, the researchers proposed a number of government actions that can both support national economies and prepare countries for a future shaped by digitalization. www.iiasa.ac.at/policybrief/20 © Ottovanrooy | Dreamstime 9www.iiasa.ac.at OptionsWinter 2018/19