On 4 July 2025, the final edition of the WeLaR Virtual Expert Café brought together researchers from across Europe to reflect on how today’s complex crises – ranging from climate change and war to democratic backsliding and de-globalisation – are challenging the foundations of socio-economic research and policy. The online session served as an open forum for discussion, sharing insights, and cross-project learning.
Ursula Holtgrewe (Center for Social Innovation) opened the session by examining how the global and European research context has shifted since WeLaR began. She argued that today’s “polycrisis” has upended earlier assumptions about change, evidence, and impact. Holtgrewe called on researchers to critically reassess their role and resist the lure of “magical thinking” – the belief that producing sound policy recommendations automatically translates into societal change. Instead, she encouraged a more nuanced, reflective approach that acknowledges institutional inertia, political backlash, and epistemic limitations, while still holding space for vision and responsibility. See the presentation here.
Holger Stichnoth (Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research – ZEW) shared new findings from a microsimulation study analysing the tax and transfer impacts of Germany’s right-wing populist AfD party. His research revealed that AfD’s policy proposals would primarily benefit high earners, while offering little to low-income groups—despite the party’s strong support among working-class and unemployed voters. Stichnoth highlighted the growing disconnect between voter perceptions and economic policy outcomes, and raised important questions about how political identity and narratives around migration may shape electoral choices more than material self-interest. The presentation is available here.
Karolien Lenaerts (HIVA – KU Leuven) presented insights from the BRIDGES 5.0 project, which explores the emerging paradigm of Industry 5.0. Drawing on outcomes from a recent multi-stakeholder conference, she underlined the need to involve workers more actively in shaping industrial transitions and to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in aligning business priorities with social goals. She also emphasised the importance of translating high-level concepts into actionable guidance and practice. See the presentation here.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in a lively discussion. Topics included the role of far-right parties in redefining economic narratives, how migration influences political dynamics, and continuing gender equality challenges.
