CERIC Seminar with Darryn Snell: “The Limits and Prospects of Green Capitalism as State Project: The Case of 'Greening' Iron in Australia”

Darryn Snell is an Associate Professor in the School of Management at RMIT University, Melbourne. He works extensively on employment, skills, workforce development and sustainability.

Abstract

The relationship between capitalism and environmental crisis has been a source of debate for decades. In recent years, ‘green capitalism’ has emerged as the primary solution to solving the ecological crisis.  In this presentation, I will begin by unpacking the notion of green capitalism, the debates surrounding it, and claims that ‘capitalism won’t save the planet’ (Christophers, 2024).  This will be followed by a discussion of green capitalism as a ‘mission-oriented’ state project through a New State Capitalism (NSC) and the degree to which NSC can overcome earlier criticisms commonly associated with the neo-liberal ‘variety’ of green capitalism.  This will set the theoretical context for discussing my current empirical research, which integrates NSC and Global Value Chain (GVC) analysis to examine Australia’s recent efforts and associated challenges in establishing a ‘green’ iron ore and ‘green’ steel industry.   I will conclude the presentation with a discussion of the implications of the case study for NSC approaches to ‘green capitalism’ and emerging research on industrial policy and GVC dynamics.

Associate Professor Darryn Snell

Dr. Darryn Snell is an Associate Professor in the School of Management and coordinator of the Work in Transition Research Group of the Business and Human Rights Centre and co-coordinator the Skills, Training and Industry Research Network at RMIT University, Melbourne.  He is a union activist and current President of RMIT University’s National Tertiary Education Union Branch. He has worked extensively on employment, skills and workforce development questions related to regions in transition. He is internationally recognised for his work on the just transition challenges associated with Net Zero Transition. Darryn has led a number of State and Federal government funded projects related to structural adjustment in the Latrobe Valley (VIC), Geelong (VIC), and Musswellbrook (NSW).  As part of his research on the Australian auto industry closure, he worked with the Federal Government, General Motors (Holden), Toyota and Ford on identifying occupational mobility and retraining opportunities for Australian auto industry employees ahead of closure. He is currently carrying out research for Australia’s Mining and Energy Union on developing targeted support for members impacted by coal-fired power station closures. His forthcoming book (co-authored with Al Rainnie and Mark Dean) ‘Australia’s Regional and Industrial Future: Beyond Militarisation and Green Capitalism’ will be published by Taylor and Francis in December 2025.