National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)

22 Oct Scientific Development of Spin-Offs from Non-University Research Institutes

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2010
Innovations have a special significance in knowledge-based economies. The efficient knowledge and technology transfer from research to industry constitutes a decisive factor in the competition between the national economies. The commercial use of information via spin-offs in high-tech sectors plays a key part here. The study on hand on the economic development of spin-offs of non-university research institutes focuses primarily on spin-offs of the four main German research organizations: Fraunhofer Society, Helmholtz Community, Leibniz Community and Max Planck Society. The project was to (1) present the economic development of academic spin-offs on a systematic basis; (2) identify and analyze factors and events that exerted a decisive impact on this development; and (3) in particular, present the significance of early customer involvement for the development of the spin-offs.
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21 Oct Acceptance of Technology and Infrastructures

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2011
There is hardly another subject in the context of new technologies that worries the public more than the presumed risks or impact on people’s familiar living surroundings. Whereas the focus of the resistance has been centered on nuclear power, carbon capture and carbon storage and green genetic engineering up to now, the expansion of renewable energies is coming increasingly under fire; e.g. by protests against new power grids and storage facilities. The same applies to mobility-related infrastructure projects; the latest instance was the particularly high-profile protest against “Stuttgart 21.” The statement by the Academy of Science and Engineering on hand not only analyzes the patterns of current acceptance discussions. It also offers recommendations for action to be taken for the improvement of the dialogue of social groups—including the communication on future topics such as nanotechnology or synthetic biology.
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21 Oct Shaping Technology Together – Early public involvement based on the example of artificial fotosynthesis (Short Version)

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2016
Artificial fotosynthesis is a visionary technology that follows the example of plants in using sunlight to produce energy-rich hydrocarbons or other forms of energy. acatech discussed the opportunities and risks of artificial fotosynthesis with sections of the public at an early research stage. Interested members of the public were able to help shape utilisation of the technology and incorporate their ideals, ideas and concerns in its further development. Dialogue based on technology futures proved successful, but there is no perfect solution for public involvement.
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21 Oct Innovation potential of human-machine interaction (Short Version)

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2016
Kaum eine technologische Entwicklung verändert aktuell unser Leben, Arbeiten und Denken so sehr wie die Digitalisierung. Das erkennen wir an den Maschinen und Geräten, die innerhalb von wenigen Jahren zu unseren selbstverständlichen Begleitern geworden sind. Über Smartphones halten wir unabhängig von Ort und Zeit zueinander Kontakt, intelligente Assistenzsysteme versorgen uns maßgeschneidert mit Informationen und Roboter entlasten uns am Arbeitsplatz und zunehmend auch im Haushalt. Gleichwohl stehen wir heute erst am Anfang dieser Entwicklung, die zu einer grundlegenden Transformation unseres Verhältnisses zu den uns umgebenden Maschinen führen wird. Im Mittelpunkt dieser Entwicklung muss dabei der Nutzen der Maschinen für den Menschen und die Gesellschaft stehen. Der acatech IMPULS fasst die wichtigsten wissenschaftlichen, wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Trends der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion zusammen und gibt einen Überblick über die damit verbundenen Innovationspotenziale und Herausforderungen.
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21 Oct Security Research – Opportunities and Perspectives

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2009
Security is a basic need of human beings and therefore of society. Science and technology serve the purpose of satisfying this fundamental need. The concept of security is used, however, in many different ways; as a consequence, the heterogeneity of the concept is implemented in the models and solutions conceived to guarantee security and safety. The publication constitutes an initial discussion result of the topical network of “Security.” The contributions illustrate the complexity of the concept of “security” and the corresponding theories and solution approaches. All contributions are based on the assumption that the conceptual separation of “security” and “safety” has to be overcome. When developing new technologies, aspects of both safety and security have to be taken into consideration. While practical experience is seeking the integration of the most diverse protection goals, subsidy policy is still geared to separate approaches. The volume on hand sketches thought-provoking stimuli from various scientific disciplines, which could make a contribution to constituting a bridge between safety and security.
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21 Oct Materials Science and Engineering in Germany

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2009
Materials are the basis of the production industry. Traditionally, Germany has been very strongly positioned in this sector. Despite the great economic significance of classic materials and new materials, public awareness of materials is very low. Consequently, the corresponding degree programs are pursued by only a small number of students. To advance its overall goals, such as the promotion of young scientists and engineers and the application of research results to technology, acatech, which is the German Academy of Science and Engineering, works to strengthen materials science and engineering in Germany. Research is largely bound to the classic disciplines. As a result, gaps open in the material-to-product chain, which in turn lead to a delayed interdisciplinary transfer and ultimately to a delay in the application of materials in innovation. The paper on hand is the result of the analysis conducted by a project group as part of the topical network of materials science and engineering of acatech. The current situation of materials science and engineering in Germany is described and the need for action presented.
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21 Oct Technological Knowledge – Evolution, Methods, Structures

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2010
In its initial year as the German Academy of Science and Engineering, acatech made an essential contribution to the discussion about the formulation of the self-conception of the engineering sciences with the “Technological Knowledge” conference it organized. The interdisciplinary contributions focused on questions about the evolution, methods and structure of technological knowledge, i.e. questions about the continuation of the systematization of the engineering sciences. Against the backdrop of the discussion, the conference contributions reflect the principles according to methodology, scientific theory as well as the formal foundations of the engineering sciences.
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21 Oct Organic Electronics in Germany

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2011
Organic electronics is still a new technological field, encompassing such varying applications as illuminants, photovoltaics, printed electronics and batteries. Replacing inorganic by organic materials in electronic components, in particular for the transformation of light into electric power (photovoltaics) and vice-versa of electric power into light (illuminating diodes), promises fundamental benefits in economic and ecological terms alike; as well as advantages in terms of application options and design, e.g. for large-scale lighting, flexible displays and the generation of energy. Substantial efforts in research in relation to theoretical understanding, effective materials and controlled process technology, i.e. largely for the entire value creation chain, are required, however, for a competitive, efficient and economic implementation in this respect.
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21 Oct Driving German Innovation. The role of incubator organisations in the promotion of hightech academic spin-offs

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National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2012
Germany needs innovation. New high-tech solutions provide sustainable responses to fundamental changes in society such as an aging population, greater urbanisation, climate change and the evolution of renewable energies. They ensure prosperity and economic growth. Global competition also drives the demand for popular technological exports bearing the label “made in Germany”. In addition, Germany’s lack of natural resources has led to the development of a knowledge-driven economy with a high demand for continuous innovation.
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