Policy Recommendations – “Laboratories of Democracy Initiative: Structural Change and the Revitalization of Post-Industrial Areas: Recommendations for the State Level and for Transatlantic Cooperation”
Structural Change is leading to some of the most profound societal challenges of the 21st century. This transformation, driven by new technologies, demographics, climate, and competition, impacts jobs, communities, and political systems. Given their shared values, common interests, and belief in democratic principles, Germany and the United States are natural partners to work together on these issues. Transatlantic exchange can be an opportunity for both countries to meet the challenges of structural change more effectively. Policy-makers in state legislatures play a crucial role in this. States are not only tasked with implementing federal policies on the ground but also take on leadership roles when it comes to developing new and innovative policies. The “Laboratories of Democracy Initiative” initiative draws on that notion, bringing together German and U.S. state legislators to promote a values-based exchange of ideas about common policy challenges on the subnational level.
In 2023, Aspen Institute Germany hosted two 5-day in-person meetings between U.S. and German state legislators. The first of the delegation trips took place from May 9-13, 2023, in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and the second trip took place from June 20-24, 2023, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA. In addition to numerous expert discussions and visits to best practice sites, the 2023 cohort jointly developed policy recommendations for the state level and for transatlantic cooperation on three main areas of structural change: The recommendations address the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of structural change. The participating legislators also developed action points for the state level to provide guidance on how to implement the recommendations.
The publication can be found here.
More information about the project is available here.
Thank you to our 2023 cohort: Representative Jeramey Anderson, Senator Dave Argall, Franziska Baum MdL, Wibke Brems MdL, Ricarda Budke MdL, Senator Hanna M. Gallo, Christian Jung MdL, Representative Ryan E. Mackenzie, Senator Kristen O’Shea, Representative Kristiana Ortez, Representative Daniel Pae, Sarah Philipp MdL, Romania Plonsker MdL, Matthias Redlich MdL, Sebastian Striegel MdL, Representative Mike Yin.
The project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
This is what the participants say:
Cooperation and collaboration are absolutely essential as we work to meet the many challenges we face in the 21st century. As a legislator and leader, Laboratories of Democracy has afforded me a unique opportunity to connect with counterparts across the Atlantic.
– Senator Hanna M. Gallo (D), President Pro Tempore of the Rhode Island State Senate
This experience widened my lens and broadened my perspective. Two things were most impactful: first, was building relationships and across parties and countries. Second, was visiting best practices that looked similar for structural change in two different countries. This allowed me to see similarities, differences and identify ways to apply this in my home state.
– Senator Kristen O’Shea (R), Member of the Kansas State Senate
By encouraging new employers to open, revitalizing historic sites, and redeveloping vacant buildings, brownfields, and greyfields, we’ve seen old Pennsylvania coal towns transformed. These strategies are truly international in scope and breathe new life into older communities.
– Senator Dave Argall (R), Member of the Pennsylvania State Senate
Based on this exchange program, it’s quite evident that transatlantic collaboration is necessary to adapt to ongoing structural changes. I’m thankful for the new friendships and incredible knowledge gained through our cohort.
– Representative Daniel Pae (R), Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
It was an honour to be part of this exchange. While the environmental challenges and the threats to our social fabric are similar on both sides of the ocean, some debates turned out to be very German. Especially those eye-opening discussions will stay with me for a long time.
– Franziska Baum (FDP), Member of the State Parliament of Thuringia
The Labs-project was a great opportunity to meet other state legislators interested in positive Transatlantic relations. It brought us together to discuss common problems we are facing and generate possible solutions. Through this work, I gained new professional relationships, friendships, and a greater understanding of differing points of view.
– Representative Ryan E. Mackenzie (R), Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
When it comes to structural change and transformation, local people must always be involved. Solitary decisions without the transparent involvement of the population will only strengthen extreme forces. That is also why it is important to create a very good infrastructure in transition areas, especially in the transport sector, in order to have a basis for future economic activities and jobs.
– Christian Jung (FDP), Member of the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg
