Marcel Matthess

Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Marcel Matthess is a leading researcher at the intersection of digitalization, industrial sustainability, and energy economics. His work critically examines how Industry 4.0 technologies reshape environmental outcomes in manufacturing, with a particular focus on energy intensity and resource efficiency. His most-cited study, “The impact of digitalization on energy intensity in manufacturing sectors – A panel data analysis for Europe” (2023, 79 citations), provides groundbreaking empirical evidence on the complex relationship between digital transformation and energy use across European manufacturing sectors. This work has become essential reading for policymakers and scholars seeking to understand whether smart factories and cyber-physical systems deliver on their promise of environmental gains. Matthess’s research combines rigorous econometric methods with deep sectoral insight, revealing both the opportunities and risks of industrial digitalization. His contributions are shaping debates on green industrial policy and sustainable production systems, making him a key voice in the growing field of digital sustainability. For students and researchers, his work offers a vital evidence base for navigating the twin transitions toward digital and low-carbon manufacturing.