Sustainability is a step on the way to achieving our goal
Regeneration is the next stage of development beyond sustainability – and companies need to act now. At the Bürkert Trade Press Days, participants identified a number of key success factors, such as systemic thinking, strong networks, credible communication and new service models. It also became clear that without the right political framework and scientific guidance, change will remain incomplete.
Regeneration is a design task that requires innovation, collaboration and new ways of thinking. (Source: Bürkert Fluid Control Systems)
We are part of complex ecosystems whose balance has often been negatively affected in the past by human actions. At the same time, nature – with its adaptability and resilience – shows how valuable its principles can be for regenerative economics. The crucial question is therefore not whether ecosystems adapt, but whether we as humanity are proactive enough to remain part of these systems. Regeneration is a design task that requires innovative strength, collaboration and new ways of thinking. Experts from industry, science and the trade press addressed this very issue in a World Café workshop as part of the Bürkert Trade Press Days and developed some initial solutions.
Regenerative economics means much more than zero impact – it means giving back more to nature than humanity takes from it. This requires holistic, cyclical thinking, whereby individual actions are always considered within the overall context (including within different ecosystems). Holistic assumption of responsibility is also crucial to make regeneration possible. Sustainability is a crucial step on the way to achieving this goal, but companies must not stop here. Current developments show that pragmatism is increasingly driving the sustainable behaviour of both people and companies. In this context, success stories about regenerative approaches can achieve much more than moralising and finger-wagging. Information and further education based on success stories can make the benefits of regenerative economics tangible and motivate positive action. Authentic communication is crucial in this regard – companies must not misuse regenerative economics in order to cultivate their corporate image.
Regenerative economics in industry
In industrial contexts, including in the process industry, good examples of regenerative economics are still scarce. However, there are numerous initiatives that can serve as starting points and sources of inspiration. Bürkert’s fluidics experts are actively engaged in this area and have adopted regenerative economics as their guiding principle. The company is aware that the transition from sustainability to regeneration is a developmental process rather than a fixed state. What matters is that companies move in the right direction and begin to think and act regeneratively. Service activities play an important role in this regard. Relationship cultivation fosters a sense of responsibility that goes far beyond the product life cycle and generates continuous value creation instead of one-off transactions. Service activities help to extend the life cycle of products and are therefore a central factor in regenerative economics. In addition, the fluidics experts are also investing in biodiversity projects, for example, and are consistently pursuing new solutions with the aid of a global interdisciplinary team.
Creating framework conditions for the economy
In the current economic and (geo)political situation, however, it is becoming clear that industry and the economy cannot manage the regenerative transformation alone. It is conceivable, for example, that companies – through primarily disruptive influences such as protectionism (see rare earths) – will initiate new patterns of action in the economy in the medium term, which will bring positive changes in the long term. In general, however, clear political guidelines and incentive systems are needed to provide companies with the necessary framework conditions for investment security. Moreover, the scientific world should take a leading role and engage in fact-based education – something that is both urgently needed and extremely time-consuming. The right associations could also accelerate progress with pro-regenerative lobbying. All of this goes to show that, ultimately, collaboration between various stakeholders is crucial in order to ensure long-term success. Georg Stawowy, CEO of Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, sums it up as follows: “Society also needs to reach a consensus on a guiding principle for regenerative action that outlasts legislative periods – ideally on an international scale that transcends individual regions or nations.”
Core theses from the World Café workshop
1. Regeneration as a new guiding principle
The economy must go beyond mere sustainability: regeneration means giving back to nature more than we take from it.
2. Holistic thinking for real transformation
Systemic and cyclical thinking are essential in order to integrate ecological and social factors into economic decisions.
3. Service models as the key to conserving resources
Service-oriented approaches extend product life cycles, reduce resource consumption and build trust.
4. Cooperation as a strategic advantage
Local networks and partnerships share resources, simplify processes and strengthen the regional economy.
5. Politics and science as pioneers
Clear political incentives and fact-based leadership from the scientific world are crucial in order to accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy.
6. Strong networks for systemic change
Cross-disciplinary networks with clear decision-making structures are necessary in order to lobby for regeneration effectively.
7. Credibility instead of greenwashing
Regeneration requires genuine conviction. Communication must convey an authentic attitude and build trust – beyond mere PR.
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