Berlin School of Economics and Law

Research on hydrogen – embraced as a cornerstone of the so-called global ‘energy transition’ – has mushroomed in recent years and has expanded into new disciplinary, empirical and conceptual terrains. Geographers and geographical thought have been at the forefront of an incipient yet thriving body of social science scholarship on the topic, enriching understandings of spatial, societal, (geo)political and (geo)economic dimensions of hydrogen in decarbonized development and beyond. In this article, we systematically review this literature and pursue three aims. First, we situate the evolution of geographical research on hydrogen by reference to historical and contemporary trends in the hydrogen economy. Second, we dissect key empirical and conceptual approaches in the literature along five themes: (a) geopolitics and geoeconomics, (b) territoriality, spatiality and infrastructural politics, (c) socio-ecological risks and energy justice, (d) coloniality and extractivism in North–South relations and (e) fossil capitalism. Third, we identify lacunas in existing scholarship and suggest ways forward by advancing a call to critically rethink the notion of a ‘hydrogen transition’. In outlining the current state of geographical debates on hydrogen, this article further highlights the potential of geographical perspectives to foster critical thinking and reflexivity on a rapidly evolving yet still uncertain industry with multi-faceted implications across spatial scales.

Abstract Supply chain resilience is concerned with establishing disruption‐resistant operational practices and ensuring the achievement of some planned performance responding to shocks. Thus, resilience is both a quality and a quantity. The existing literature is rich in analyzing each of these two parts separately. However, studies connecting quantity and quality perspectives are rare. We position our study in the context of debates about the impact of localization on supply chain resilience. We depart from some industrial practices that use a localization degree to measure resilience. Two substantial contributions emerge from this study. First, we define a localization index of manufacturing activities in the supply chain. Second, we test two hypotheses using a discrete‐event simulation model in anyLogistix: (i) Does a localization ratio impact supply chain resilience, and (ii) what role does the severity of shocks play in the impact of localization on supply chain resilience? Our findings suggest that localization impacts supply chain resilience. A positive effect of localization can be observed in scenarios with short‐term disruptions, and it decreases with an increase in shock duration and severity. A mixed strategy combining local and global footprints can be recommended as a resilient supply chain strategy.

Global efforts towards mitigating climate change are gaining momentum. Reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and aiming for zero emissions, or carbon neutrality, is a central goal. Economic factors are key determinants of CO₂ emissions resulting from production and energy consumption. This paper empirically estimates the dynamic effects of macroeconomic shocks on CO₂ emissions. For this purpose, we employ an unbalanced panel of 78 countries using annual data from 1990 to 2022 and estimate a panel vector autoregression (VAR) model. The model includes population, GDP, investment, trade, oil price, renewable energy consumption, inflation, exchange rate, and nominal interest rate. We find that GDP and trade shocks lead to significant increases in CO₂ emissions, with the GDP shock peaking at 3.8% after six years. In contrast, renewable energy consumption and interest rate shocks reduce emissions by up to 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Results are robust across several sub-samples based on geography, income, population density, and emission trends. These findings imply that greening growth through renewable energy investment can be more effective than relying on monetary tightening. The implications also highlight that all countries, regardless of development stage, have an important role to play in climate action.

The transition to the use of renewable energies leads to an increase in the number of DC-applications like HVDC, photovoltaic, e-mobility and energy storage. In consequence the probability of a DC-arcing increases as well. While AC-arcing have already been studied in detail, the current state of knowledge about DC-arcing is not comprehensive. The contribution show differences in arcing of AC-arcs and DC-arcs. The investigations are performed with four models which represent real environmental conditions. The already achieved results show, that the differences in AC-and DC arcing lead to a different engineering, insulation coordination as well of insulation characteristics like partial discharge inception and arc detection and arc quenching systems. The results show already, that there is a difference in the forecast of the energy conversion between AC-and DC-arcing and that it is in principle possible to use arc detection systems and arc quenching systems for DC applications.

Abstract Compartmental models have gained significant attention not only in public health studies but also in fields such as Operations Research (OR), social sciences, and logistics, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Their broad applicability in epidemiology and their utility in understanding, predicting, and controlling the global spread of infectious diseases have made them indispensable across various disciplines. The appeal of these models lies in their simplicity yet effectiveness in capturing the essential dynamics of disease transmission. This paper provides a comprehensive review of compartmental models, focusing on the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) models and the key aspects of their structure. The primary objective of this review is to enhance the ability of researchers and practitioners to understand and manage infectious disease outbreaks through a twofold approach: (1) an evaluation of the assumptions, equations, and methodologies used for estimating critical parameters in SIR models, and (2) an exploration of the relationship between SIR models and optimization models. Additionally, a systematic micro-level review has identified the most significant research gaps in the literature on compartmental models, leading to recommendations for future research. A key finding emphasizes the need to revisit various assumptions to clarify the connection between SIR models and optimization approaches, which is expected to offer valuable insights for epidemic disease modeling.

Abstract In this study, we report the synthesis of a novel series of chiral hybrid scaffolds, each featuring a P(V)-stereogenic center integrated with a chiral backbone via squaramide or thiourea linkers. The catalytic performance of these newly developed organocatalysts was evaluated in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions, showing moderate activity and limited selectivity.

This paper presents the Adaptive Social Manufacturing (ASM) as a strategic framework for integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into manufacturing in a socially responsible, economically viable, and practically feasible manner. Building on Industry 4.0 foundations, ASM addresses the need for a balanced, human-centric framework that aligns technological advancements with the ethical, social, and environmental values central to Industry 5.0. The framework introduces core enabling capabilities, such as Digitalization Strategic Management and Resource Readiness, to drive responsible technology adoption, while preventive capabilities, including Technology Governance and Sustainability Performance Management Systems, mitigate potential socio-environmental risks. To validate the feasibility and practicality of the framework, the study incorporates a longitudinal case study of a medium-sized healthcare product manufacturer. This case demonstrates how ASM facilitated real-time monitoring, process integration, and sustainable innovation, achieving measurable operational improvements while balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives. The findings highlight how ASM enables feasible, stepwise digital transformation, ensuring that economic gains are leveraged to promote social inclusion and environmental responsibility. ASM offers a structured pathway for manufacturers seeking to transition beyond efficiency-driven digitalisation toward value-driven innovation, and holds promise as a guiding framework for policy design, workforce development, and cross-sectoral collaboration in future industrial ecosystems.

Abstract Prior research indicates that constructive controversy, as a method to support decision-making in conflict-prone situations, positively impacts learning. By using a simulation approach applying the practical procedure of constructive controversy, this study explores the relationship between conflict management styles and individual learning in the application of constructive controversies. Our results show a positive effect of constructive controversy on individuals’ learning and indicate that conflict management styles moderate this effect. Participants with high avoidance, low collaboration, and low compromise conflict management styles reported particularly high learning gains from constructive controversy. This is a new insight both for research and practical implementation and bridges the gap to future research applying constructive controversy in organizational settings.