Transatlantic Dialogue on the Industrial Heartlands: Shaping the Future

Developing solutions for a better, greener and more democratic life in the “places that don’t matter”

For a generation, people living in the traditional industrial heartlands all over the world have been buffeted by a technological and services revolution, the decline of manufacturing, and the rise of a borderless global digital economy. The result is deepening inequality, ongoing political support for right-wing populists and a hollowing out of the middle class.

This three-year project and its partners from the U.S. and Germany are dedicated to creating new opportunities in old industrial heartlands in both countries by forging a transatlantic dialogue, exchanging best practices and developing political strategies and policy solutions for a better, greener and more democratic future in the “places that don’t matter”. The main goal is to deliver increased living standards and opportunities, while also working towards rebuilding trust in democracy in the U.S. and Germany.

A project by

Strategic Lead

Florian Ranft

Member of the Management Board and Head of Green New Deal

Operative Lead

Sandra Rath

Project Manager

Axel Ruppert

Project Manager

Rachel Stieb

Junior Project Manager

Communications

Aaron Remus

Deputy Head of Communications

Supported by

We develop and debate progressive ideas and bring together leading actors who turn thoughts into action. Our think tank’s goal: making the just transformation a reality. ▸ Learn more