Academy’s advice and position paper

21 Oct Driving German Innovation. The role of incubator organisations in the promotion of hightech academic spin-offs

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.

21 Oct Technology Futures Anticipation − Creation − Assessment

National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2012

Different ideas about what the future holds play a key role in debates about technology in our society. These ideas are expressed in a variety of ways, for example as predictions, scenarios or visions. Some are produced by scientists using techniques such as model-based scenarios, others – such as science-fiction novels or movies – are conceived by artists, whilst others embody expectations or fears that are publicly communicated by the media..

21 Oct Technological Sciences Discovery – Development – Responsibility

National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2013

What are the technological sciences? What are their characteristics and what sets them apart from other scientific disciplines? How did the technological sciences become established and what role do technology and the technological sciences play in our society? Despite their importance to our society, the technological sciences have hitherto been largely neglected by traditional scientific research. Moreover, the people working in the technological sciences have themselves given little thought to the principles and fundamental questions of their discipline. acatech provides advice on strategic science and engineering issues to policymakers and the public. In order to do this effectively, we also need to examine our own discipline. With this acatech IMPULS Paper the National Academy of Science and Engineering wants to encourage discussion of the technological sciences as a knowledge system both within and outside of acatech.

21 Oct Skills for Industrie 4.0 – Training Requirements and Solutions (Short Version)

National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2016

Industrie 4.0 is bringing lasting changes in the workplace. Technologies that connect things, data, and processes are placing new demands on employees and management, especially in industry. Workplace training for Industrie 4.0 is thus the key to the success of industrial enterprises. The implementation of the digital transformation possesses particular challenges for SMEs. At the same time, however, Industrie 4.0 is making new, digital continuing professional development formats available that allow training content to be precisely tailored to the knowledge and needs of staff and management. The constantly changing list of skills required for Industrie 4.0 must be regularly updated so that the relevant adjustments in the education system can be made. In the future, the focus will be on interdisciplinary thinking and acting, cross-functional process know-how, and IT skills involving both specialised and more general application knowledge. The goal should be to prevent a twofold digital divide between large and small industrial enterprises and between high-skilled and low-skilled workers. SMEs should receive special support to help them develop the skills needed for Industrie 4.0.