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Bundesregierung/Guido Bergmann

Sustainability needs Innovation

Sustainability Needs Innovation

Innovations are essential for addressing humanity's grand challenges. Our primary focus is on preserving the environment and our prosperity, ensuring peace and security, and upholding freedom and justice. At the same time, innovations raise important ethical and socio-political questions. On our dedicated topic page, our experts discuss how we navigate these complex issues and promote both an innovation-friendly environment and climate-friendly innovations.

News

Ideas are always children of necessity.

Joseph A. Schumpeter, national economist and politician

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Content

1. The interests of global players make sustainable business more difficult

2. Sustainable innovation is more than just technology

3. Framework conditions based on the polluter-pays principle

4. European innovations as pioneers

5. Our offers and projects on the topic

6. Publications, events and media contributions on the topic


 

Mensch mit Hightech-Armprothese berührt die Hand eines anderen Menschen.
Discuss with us on social media under the hashtag: #KAS4Innovation.

Innovations are not an end in themselves. They are most valuable when serving humanity. A prime example is innovations for sustainability. This is why the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has evolved its core theme of “Innovation” to focus on “Sustainability Needs Innovation.”

 

The interests of global players make sustainable business more difficult

Defining sustainability broadly as a practice that does not compromise the future and its inhabitants, it encompasses ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Sustainable business practices require efforts to halt man-made climate change and avoid burdening future generations with our current consumption, both ecologically and financially. The concept, originally from forestry, stresses the importance of not endangering the regenerative capacity of natural resources through excessive use.

The challenge of sustainable business becomes even more complex at the global level, as seen in the case of climate change. Unlike sustainable forest use, where the number of actors can be limited and motivated to act sustainably, reducing emissions involves a multitude of states, companies, organizations, and individuals with diverse starting points and levels of prosperity.

 

Sustainable innovation is more than just technology

While focusing on Germany and Europe, it becomes apparent that people cannot be motivated to act sustainably by austerity and asceticism alone. Innovations are necessary to achieve climate goals. New technologies already significantly contribute to reducing emissions, adapting to climate change effects, and unlocking “negative emissions.” This includes not only environmental innovations but also applications of artificial intelligence with positive sustainability impacts.

However, innovation encompasses more than just technology. New organizational forms and behaviors are also crucial. Hence, promoting innovations as a pathway to sustainability is not merely a belief in technology; actual behavioral changes are necessary. The motto is not less, but different. Innovations must be directed towards sustainability, and not every innovation necessarily serves this purpose. Our “Sustainability Navigator” has been showcasing examples of the right kind of innovations, which will now be integrated into our core theme “Innovation Needs Sustainability.”

 

Framework conditions based on the polluter-pays principle: social market economy leads the way

Especially for a global phenomenon like climate change, the framework conditions that incentivize sustainable economic activities and innovations are crucial. These conditions must operate based on the polluter-pays principle, as exemplified by the regulatory framework of the Social Market Economy. An essential aspect of this concept is that social costs must be factored into the price of goods (internalization of external effects). In terms of ecological, economic, and innovation efficiency, taxes on emissions and certificate solutions are more effective than outright bans or prohibitions, as they set technology-neutral incentives. This approach is the best and fastest way to achieve our climate goals, although implementation on a global scale can be challenging. Both mandates and prohibitions will be necessary, but sustainability is too important to be pursued without the Social Market Economy.

 

European innovations as pioneers

Even though the emissions share of Germany and Europe may seem small, we can lead by implementing the best framework conditions and incentives. Innovations developed under these conditions can be exported, exerting a sustainable impact beyond our borders and enhancing the competitiveness of our economy. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a factor in location decisions. However, we must avoid arrogance: many countries are working on the right rules and are committed to sustainable economic practices. Mutual recognition often proves to be a better approach than uniform standards for all.


Our offers and projects on the topic

International offices and programmes

Our commitment to fostering sustainability through innovation within the framework of the Social Market Economy can only succeed if it is approached globally. Therefore, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is actively involved in international energy security and climate change programs abroad, participating in exciting projects aimed at sustainable action

International Energy Security and Climate Change Programs

Windräder am Deich in Ostfriesland | Foto: Allie Caulfield / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Allie Caulfield / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 / Stefan Stahlberg

 

The shift away from fossil fuels poses significant challenges for humanity. The targets set in the Paris Climate Agreement for limiting man-made global warming are a crucial step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. However, these goals demand considerable effort from all stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Since 2015, our regional programs on energy security and climate change in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Middle East and North Africa have been contributing to enhancing cross-regional dialogue on energy, climate, and environmental policy in these regions. Our primary goal is to support current discussions, develop solutions, and, most importantly, promote concrete projects for sustainable action in politics, business, and society.

 

Learn more about International Energy Security and Climate Change Programs


 

Publication, video and website projects

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has already developed and implemented numerous projects and campaigns on its priority topic “Sustainability needs innovation”, a selection of which we would like to present to you here. In addition, our publication series “Monitor Nachhaltigkeit” (Sustainability Monitor) contains articles on various (also innovation-related) aspects of sustainability at irregular intervals.

Biotechnology and genetic engineering

Biotechnologie und Gentechnik, DNA-Strang Furiosa-L / Pixabay

 

Genetic engineering and biotechnology and the associated fields of research are controversial in society and politics. According to many critics, the risks are unacceptable. But the facts refute this criticism. They show: The opportunities far outweigh the risks. Without modern life sciences, advances in medicine, pharmacy, plant breeding, agriculture, food production and environmental research would be unthinkable. All scientific findings speak in favor of dealing responsibly with these new cross-sectional technologies. However, the recommendation is clear: the potential must be exploited, and abandoning biotechnologies and genetic engineering would be a big mistake.

Where are the opportunities in the life sciences? What economic potential do they hold? How can they contribute to overcoming the challenges we face? What are the benefits for people? How should genetic engineering and biotechnology, embryo and stem cell research, reproductive medicine and other fields of application be regulated? What potential risks need to be considered? You can find information and food for thought on these questions on our project page.

 

Learn more about biotechnology and genetic engineering

Sustainability Monitor

Blick in den Wald Oliver Henze / flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 / creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

 

With the publication series “Sustainability Monitor,” we address current sustainability issues from the perspective of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, mostly on an occasion-related basis, to make them accessible to an interested public in politics, science, and civil society, and to contribute to the positioning of the foundation on this important cross-sectional and future issue.

 

Find out more about the Monitor Sustainability series

Navigator Sustainability - Change through Innovation

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“Navigator Sustainability - Change through Innovation”

Only in German

YouTube, Onlinekas

Our project “Navigator Sustainability - Change through Innovation” provides an insight into concrete innovations for more sustainability. In doing so, we not only look at and limit ourselves to the ecological dimension, but also take into account the social and economic significance.

 

Learn more about the project Navigator Sustainability

Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a Global Perspective

Künstliche Intelligenz KAS

 

Conflict lines between ethics and AI, technological added value or dangerous risk - the topic of artificial intelligence offers plenty of room for exchange and interesting discourse. As part of an interview series, we discussed various aspects, experiences, and perspectives from other countries with seven experts.

 

Learn more about the Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Quantum Computing and Its Importance for Our Society

Quantencomputer und deren Bedeutung für unsere Gesellschaft Adobe Stock / Bartek Wróblewski

 

Quantum computing has enormous potential. Whether economically or in a societal context, quantum computers represent a very significant future technology. Our publications on quantum computing in the context of digitalization explain the fundamentals and applications, explore the potential, and provide insight into the current state of research.

 

Learn more about Quantum Computing publications

Digital Transformation in Asia-Pacific

Drei Computer vor Stadtkulisse pixabay/Gerd Altmann

 

In the field of digitalization of the economy and society, the Asia-Pacific region is considered a pioneer. Nowhere else has the use of digital processes, products, and everyday helpers progressed further than there. Particularly impressive is the progress being made in many Southeast Asian and Pacific nations in the area of important future technologies and trends. These include topics such as artificial intelligence, e-health, FinTech, and autonomous driving.

Our offices abroad and regional programs are keeping a close eye on these developments and attach great importance to digitization efforts and the successes achieved so far in the region as part of our foundation-wide innovation theme. In order to drive social and economic value creation in the spirit of the social market economy and create added value for society as a whole, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation is committed to sharing experiences between Germany, Europe, and Asia together with regional players from politics, business, society, and academia.

 

Learn more about Digital Transformation in Asia-Pacific

Hidden Innovators

Hidden Innovators

 

With our campaign, we aim to spotlight the people behind the innovations. In this campaign, we introduce our innovators and their groundbreaking work.

 

Learn more about the Hidden Innovators Campaign

Home Office and Mobile Working

Homeoffice pixabay

 

Home office and mobile working have been important topics on the agenda of the socio-political debate, and not just since the COVID-19 pandemic. With our project page, we want to provide guidance in the form of video interviews with experts and concrete political recommendations for action, as well as contribute to drawing the right conclusions from the experience gained and setting the necessary course for the future.

 

Learn more about the Home Office project


 

Networks and cooperations

To promote sustainable urban development and market- and innovation-oriented strategies for climate neutrality, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has launched the “Strong Cities 2030” initiative and established a cooperation with the German think tank EPICO Klimainnovation.

Strong Cities 2030 Network

Strong-Cities-2030 / Stadtpanorama imran shahabuddin / flickr / CC BY 2.0

 

Urbanization is one of the megatrends of the 21st century. By 2050, about three-quarters of the world's population is expected to live in cities. This significant development brings challenges but also opportunities. Sustainable Development Goal 11 of the 2030 Agenda aims to make cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Our “Strong Cities 2030” initiative is designed to promote urban development towards greater sustainability, resilience, and inclusion through global exchange between political elected officials and experts from science and practice.

 

Learn more about the Strong Cities 2030 Network

Cooperation with EPICO Climate Innovation

EPICO KlimaInnovation Logo

 

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung entered into a cooperation with EPICO KlimaInnovation in 2021. The network aims to advocate for sustainable, market-based, and innovation-oriented climate and energy policies and develop strategies for climate neutrality from the center of society and contribute to their implementation. The focus of the cooperation is the “Policy Accelerator for Climate Innovation,” a project that has developed clear recommendations for action on key energy policy issues and target images for achieving climate neutrality through an agile design thinking process.

 

Learn more about the cooperation with EPICO Klimainnovation


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Sustainability Monitor
May 13, 2022
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February 17, 2022
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October 26, 2021
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#KAS4Innovation

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Publications, events and media contributions on the topic

Our contributions are as wide-ranging and multifaceted as the topic itself!

Whether it's an expert interview, specialist publication or hot debate - click through and you're guaranteed to find the right format for you!

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Publications to the topic

Bild 24-02-26 Book cover

Mobility Transformation

Eine Pflanze wächst aus einem Topf voller Münzen Adobe Stock / chingching

Climate Finance: a Matter of Justice?

How much? What for? Who is going to pay for it?

B79-231113-1 Boetius CFautz(5)

Die Entdeckung der Tiefsee - Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius in Freiburg

Was uns die Meere über den Klimawandel verraten und was wir tun können

colleagues-working-together-high-angle Image by a href=httpswww.freepik.comfree-photocolleagues-working-together-high-angle_37881218.htm#from_view=detail_s

ESG principles and Disclosures in United Kingdom and South Africa (The Third Report)

Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics and Business Law (IJEBL)

Epico Kazakhstan Header KALUZA+SCHMID Studio

EU-Kazakhstan Green Hydrogen Partnership

Mapping Barriers and Establishing a Roadmap

Biogasanlage mit Maisfeld Adobe Stock / Wolfgang Jargstorff

Bioenergy: An Underestimated Pillar of the Energy Transition

Challenges and Opportunities for Bioenergy

Graphic for the study

One Year Inflation Reduction Act

Initial Outcomes and Impacts for US-EU Trade and Investment

Künstliche Intelligenz Pixabay Geralt

ChatGPT in der Schule.

Künstliche Intelligenz als Herausforderung für den Unterricht

„Die Pflanzenzucht ist eine Erfolgsgeschichte der Landwirtschaft“ pressmaster, stock.adobe.com

„Plant breeding is an agricultural success story“

Interview with Christopher Sieler: The potential of new breeding techniques from the perspective of the agricultural industry

Laborant mit grünen Handschuhen und einer Petrischale voller Weizensamen uaPieceofCake, stock.adobe.com

Genome Editing: An important tool in our agriculture toolbox

Interview with Dr. Oliver Vogt MdB: The importance of new breeding techniques for the future of agriculture from a political perspective

Порадник. Як місцевим громадам готуватись до опалювального сезону під час війни EECU

Як місцевим громадам готуватися до опалювального сезону під час війни

#GreenDealUA

Erde aus dem All, mit Satellitennetz überzogen Framestock / Adobe Stock

The Sky is No Limit!?

The space and satellite program of Vietnam

Wasserkraft_Wyhlen_B79-230330-1(3)_Fautz

Fokus Energiepolitik. Saubere Energie vom Hochrhein!

Exkursion mit Besichtigung des Wasserkraftwerks Wyhlen am Hochrhein samt zugehöriger Power-to-Gas-Anlage zur Herstellung von Grünem Wasserstoff mit Expertengespräch

Annual Report 2022 Konrad Adenauer Foundation KAS

Annual Report 2022

Insights into the year 2022 of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation

Ausgetrocknetes Flussbett Reuters / Eric Gaillard

Ready for the „water turnaround“?

The German Government’s National Water Strategy

Manipulation und Desinformation im Metaverse Adobe Stock / Oleksiy Oliinyk

Manipulation and Disinformation in the Metaverse

What Are the Challenges and How to Counter Them?

Energieregion östliches Mittelmeer REUTERS / Adnan Abidi

Energy region Greece & Eastern Mediterranean - a region arises as Europe's supplier!

Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean can play a new important role

Schwimmende Schiffe in einem Kanal in Namibia. KAS / Natalie Russmann

Between Hype, hope and tangible changes

The potential of green hydrogen for Namibia and Africa.

Pharmastandort Europa, Stärkung der Resilienz und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zhane luk, stock.adobe.com

Europe as a Pharmaceutical Location – Strengthening Resilience and Competitiveness

The European pharmaceutical industry is a driver of innovation and an essential part of medical care – How can we strengthen a key industry?

Token Studie KAS

Token Study

Blockchain technology fundamentals and application scenarios

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Events on the topic

Mar

2024

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Apr

2024

Vom Grundsätzlichen zum Praktischen
Online-Reihe zum Grundsatzprogramm der CDU

Apr

2024

Europa vor den Wahlen!
Die gemeinsame Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik unter Druck

Apr

2024

DemocrAIcy I
Gesellschaftliche Chancen und Risiken Künstlicher Intelligenz im politischen Prozess

Apr

2024

Berlin
Girls'Day 2024
Frauen sind spitze – auch in der Spitzentechnologie

Event Reports on the topic

Event Reports on the topic

Foto24021302

Klicken, Lernen, Wissen?

Herausforderungen an Gesellschaft und Schule in der digitalen Welt / Eindrücke von der Fuladaer Tagung 13. Februar 2024

Walsmann

Der Green Deal als Blaupause für Innovation und Nachhaltigkeit?

Veranstaltungsbericht: Seminar zum Thema "European Green Deal" in der Villa La Collina, Cadenabbia

230426_Girls ´ Day-044 (1)

Girls'Day 2023

Nachhaltigkeit durch Innovation. Mit MINT-Fächern Zukunft gestalten.

The Power of Crisis KAS / Juliane Liebers

Energiekonferenz: Der Ruf nach mehr Freiraum für Innovation

The Power of Crisis: Energie der Zukunft

European Data Summit 2022 KAS

Sustainability Requires Innovation

Searching for a Fair Distribution Key in the Data Economy when Competition Matters

forum digital: Ab ins Metaversum! Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung/Kai Bodo Schläfke

Immersive Technologien und der Hype um das Metaverse

Im „forum digital“ diskutierten Politik, Wirtschaft und Forschung die Potentiale von virtuellen Realitäten

Professor Dr. Joachim Fetzer (links) und Frederk Schmitt Thomas Ehlen / kas.de

Algorithmen entscheiden nicht - Unsere Zukunft mit Künstlicher Intelligenz

Eine Bilanz des Fuldaer Gesprächs 3. November 2022

Schirmherr Oberbürgermeister Martin Horn KAS/Thomas Langer

Politischer Wille und Umsetzungskraft entscheiden über erfolgreiche kommunale Klimapolitik

Handlungsbedarf erkannt: Kommunen zeigen, wie innovative Klimaanpassung vor Ort funktioniert

Salomon Oppenheim jr. (1772–1828) Nachweis: Stiftung Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln, RWWA 600-F419.

Salomon Oppenheim jr. (1772–1828) zum 250. Geburtstag

Veranstaltungsbericht

Diskussion mit Björn Thümler, MdL

Heimat erfahren…

Radtour mit thematischem Input und Diskussion zur Zukunft der Wesermarsch und des Landes Niedersachsen

kas-kompakt - Mut zur Gründung 24.05.2022 KAS Bremen

„Mut zur Gründung“

Mittagsgespräch aus der Reihe kas-kompakt

Professor Dr. Erik Bertram Thomas Ehlen / kas.de

Zurück an die Spitze! Innovationen für erfolgreiche Zwanziger Jahre

Eine Bilanz des Wiesbadener Tischgesprächs 25. April 2022

Andreas Jung MdB

„Nachhaltigkeit ist unser Ding!“

Ein Navigator für den Wandel durch Innovation

Foto_Pfeiffer-Poensgen.jpeg Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Mit Spitzenforschung erfolgreich die Zukunft gestalten

Digitale Diskussionsveranstaltung mit Ministerin Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen

Podiumsdiskussion zur nachhaltigen Mobilität Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Mit Vernetzung zum Erfolg - nachhaltige Mobilität in der Stadt und auf dem Land

Digitale Diskussionsveranstaltung mit Ministerin Ina Brandes

Oliver Krauß MdL Ingo Hellwig

Auswege oder Ausflüchte?

Die Welt im Krisenmodus

kas-kompakt 1.3. KAS Bremen

„Turnaround durch townaround - Rettung der Innenstadt auch in Bremen?“

Mittagsgespräch aus der Reihe kas-kompakt

Eva Morlang im Gespräch mit Prof. Enste kas.de

Verhaltensökonomie und Klimaschutz: Bessere Regulierung und Green Nudges für mehr Nachhaltigkeit

Eine Bilanz des 30. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live vom 01.03.2022

Agenda 2030 KAS

Nachhaltigkeit und Wertschätzung für Lebensmittel

Europa Talk KAS

Leben 3.0.- Das Zeitalter Künstlicher Intelligenz

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Media library

Erststimme 77: Dr. Sven Herpig
Wie schützen wir uns vor Hackerangriffen?
Wir sprechen mit Dr. Sven Herpig über Cybersicherheit, für ihn ist dies die zentrale Kategorie der Sicherheit in unserem Zeitalter.
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Mitschnitt unserer Veranstaltung am 11. Juli 2023 in Dessau-R...
Verantwortung für die Zukunft: Klimaschutz als Gemeinschaftsaufgabe
Einblicke in das Jahr 2022 der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Jahresbericht 2022
Vor dem Hintergrund des Krieges haben sich unsere Kernthemen (Sicherheit, Innovation sowie Repräsentation und Partizipation) im vergangenen Jahr abermals in höchstem Maße bewährt.
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Hands-On Mobility Dialogue 2022
Mobility Futures
The Korea Office of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung invited a delegation of Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) representatives for a study trip across Germany
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Podcast Erststimme #56
Internationaler Handel zwischen Effizienz, Nachhaltigkeit und Resilienz
Im Rahmen unserer Freihandelswoche sprechen wir mit Prof. Dr. Galina Kolev. #TradeofTomorrow
Podcast Erststimme #54
Klima muss sich lohnen
Wir sprechem mit Prof. Achim Wambach über die Instrumente des Marktes und der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft in der Energie- und Klimapolitk.
Kommunalkongress 2022
Politischer Wille und Umsetzungskraft entscheiden über erfolgreiche kommunale Klimapolitik
Klima-Experten berichteten in der Green City Freiburg über innovative Projekte aus ihren Kommunen.
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Vlogging
Travel diary EKLA – EAN
Face-to-face week in Bogota and Medellin of the "Diploma Socioecological and Energy Transitions in Latin America and the Caribbean".
A KAS breakfast seminar, co-arranged with Civita
Which role should the state play in an innovation-driven market economy?
Join us to learn more from a new collection of critical analyses and assessments of state-led innovation and top-down industrial policies, by innovation scholars and economists.
Der Podcast über alles außer Corona
Erststimme #46: Blick in die KAS: Klima-Reader & Navigator Nachhaltigkeit
Diesmal geht es um zwei Projekte der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung selbst: Zum einen sprechen wir über den Klima-Reader, zum über den Navigator Nachhaltigkeit .
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Related topics and subject areas of our focus “Sustainability needs innovation”

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation deals with various aspects of innovative and sustainable developments. Whether resource and environment, social market economy or artificial intelligence - on our topic pages you can find comprehensive information on related topics and various sub-areas of the focus topic “Sustainability needs innovation.”

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