Paths to Sustainable Economic Activity and
Social Progress in the Social Market Economy
Summary of the conclusions and main
recommendations of the Study Commission*
Berlin, May 2013
Contents
Foreword from the Chair
1 Summary of the Commission’s key recommendations and working methods
2 Indicator set and recommendations for action
2.1 Indicator set
2.2 Decoupling – possibilities and limits
2.3 Sustainability through regulatory policies
2.3.1 Regulation of financial markets
2.3.2 Viable financial policy
2.3.3 Sustainable economic activity as exemplified by the chemical industry
2.3.4 Climate policy – prerequisites for a unilateral German/European model role
2.4 The world of work, consumption patterns and lifestyles
2.4.1 Lifestyles
2.4.2 Work
2.4.3 Sustainable consumption
3 General part
3.1 Working methods and the deliberation process
3.1.1 Commission meetings, hearings and other events
3.1.2 Project groups
3.1.3 Full-length and summary expert reports
3.1.4 Plenary discussion by the Bundestag
3.1.5 Composition of the Study Commission
3.2 Organisational and administrative support for the work of the Commission
Annex 1: Details of the set of indicators with warning lights
Annex 2: Composition of the Commission