Organized by: Department of Marketing, Organisation and Management (MOL), Nord University
About the book
Post Growth Innovation: Resisting the Pursuit of Endless Economic Growth
Authors:
Mario Pansera and Javier Lloveras
Post-growth and degrowth scholars argue that we cannot reduce CO₂ emissions fast enough to keep global warming below 2 °C while continuing economic growth. We face a choice: either we innovate to scale down production and consumption equitably, or we risk severe environmental and social consequences. Yet, the role of innovation remains largely unexplored in post-growth debates. Post-Growth Innovation fills this gap by examining the narratives, processes, and practices needed to move beyond the growth imperative, and it bridges our understanding of the implications of scientific and technological advances in a society that challenges growth as its central goal.
Availability:
The book will be available open access from 25 November 2025 and can be downloaded from Bristol University Press. Bristol University Press
13:00–13:20 | Book presentation – Post-Growth Innovation, Prof. Mario Pansera, Post-growth Innovation Lab)
13:20–13:35 | Industry case – TOWT (Transport à la voile), Diana Mesa, CEO.
13:35 – 13:50 | Industry case – Egna, Børge Bøyum, CEO
13:50 –14:20 | “What role does innovation play in a post-growth future? Reflections from the perspectives of sustainable businesses. Panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Amsale K. Temesgen (Mario Pansera, Diana Mesa, Børge Bøyum, and Helene Amdam Johannessen )
14:20–14:50 | Audience Q&A
14:50-15:00 | Closing remarks & coffee
TransOceanic Wind Transport TOWT (France)
TOWT operates wind-propelled cargo vessels and is scaling a modern sail-cargo fleet to decarbonize maritime transport. TOWT - Transport à la voile
FREM Bodø & Egna (Bodø, Norway)
Egna is a local business that develops and facilitates the establishment of new circular business models and local value chains, which will contribute to more green local jobs and opportunities to offer work experience to people who, for various reasons, are outside the labor market. Egna
Mario Pansera is Professor and Director of the Post-Growth Innovation Lab (University of Vigo) and leads the ERC project PROSPERA (Prosperity without Growth), focusing on how science, technology and innovation can support sustainable societies beyond growth.
Lab: postgrowth-lab.uvigo.es | Google Scholar profile
Mario Pansera Diana Mesa is Co-founder and Managing Director (often cited as CEO) of TOWT – Transport à la voile, the French sail-cargo company she co-founded in 2011 to decarbonize shipping; TOWT’s fleet and routes are centered in Le Havre with transatlantic operations. Company website's link
Diana Mesa Børge Bøyum is Director of FREM Bodø Group & Founder/Board Member, Egna. Børge leads a major organization delivering employment-inclusion services across Nordland, working closely with NAV, regional and local government and the health sector. He is also driving innovation in circular economy and social sustainability through Egna — a business-model that re-imagines how we work, consume and create value. Frem | Egna
Børge Bøyum Dr. Amsale K. Temesgen is Associate professor of Ecological Economics and Management at Nord University Business School. Temesgen’s research focuses on the intersection between wellbeing and sustainability. She teaches courses on ecological economics and post-growth. Amsale Kassahun Temesgen | Nord.no
Dr. Amsale Temesgen PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and professionals interested in sustainability transitions, responsible research and innovation, maritime decarbonization, preparedness and crisis management, and alternative innovation models.
The event is free and open to Nord University staff and students. Registration will be via the Nord University calendar.
