Transition strategies for cities combine technological conversion scenarios with social and ecological visions for sustainable urban development. Cities become "real-world laboratories" for research by both examining and supporting sustainable development. Different strategies can be combined and studied in an integrated fashion: climate and resource protection, climate adaptation, the conversion of energy systems and transport infrastructures, and new models of production and consumption.

The geographic location of the Institute provides it with a rewarding research environment. Working closely with the city of Wuppertal and all its stakeholders has always been part of the Wuppertal Institute's research.

North Rhine-Westfalia and the towns and cities of the old industrial Ruhr area are facing the challenge of locally implementing the energy transition ("Energiewende") and contributing to regional and national climate commitments. At the same time, they are in the midst of a deep transformation; the economy, demography, and social makeup of the region are changing noticeably. Together with partners, the Wuppertal Institute is applying its integrative approach to these challenges.

Moreover, the Institute cooperates with cities and regions throughout Germany as well as international and interdisciplinary research networks taking a transdisciplinary approach. The integrative approach aims at a deeper understanding of the synergies and conflicting goals of ecological and social urban development, energy and resource aspects, and requirements for buildings, mobility, economy, and open space design.