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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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At a glance

  • We are the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung are aware that: Sustainable management calls for focussing all efforts on halting man-made climate change.
  • Global examples such as climate change demonstrate the difficulty of implementing sustainable management when many stakeholders are involved whose starting positions and interests differ greatly.
  • We are convinced that people and governments will not be motivated to act sustainably through renunciation and asceticism alone. Innovations are necessary in order to achieve climate targets.
  • Incentives and fair framework conditions are important at international level. They must function according to the polluter pays principle in line with the fundamental concept of the the social market economy.
  • European innovations could be pioneers in implementing the best incentives and framework conditions, exporting them and thus contributing towards greater global sustainability. We support this goal with our work.

 

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


 

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

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.

Sustainability Monitor

 

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

Quantum Computing and Its Importance for Our Society

 

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


 

Cooperation

To promote a market- and innovation-oriented strategy for climate neutrality, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung cooperates with EPICO KlimaInnovation – a think tank and network for sustainable, market-based and innovation-oriented climate and energy policy..

Cooperation with EPICO Climate Innovation

 

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.


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Contact

Dr. Jan Cernicky

Portrait von Dr. Jan Cernicky

Head of the Economy and Innovation Department

jan.cernicky@kas.de +49 30 26996 3516 +49 30 26996 3551
Single title
Alfred-Wegener-Institut/Robert Ricker (CC-BY 4.0)
July 4, 2024
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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 on this topic

Europe at night: city lights outline contours, show population density and infrastructure. Adobe Stock/ 1xpert

The European Union – stabilized internally, confronted externally

Results of the Panorama Analysis 2025

Keine Angst vor Zahlen Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

No Fear of Numbers: Why Math Belongs in Early Childhood Education

Strengthening Educational Opportunities Through Early Support

Close up of Offshore oil rig worker walks to an oil and gas facility to work in the process. Adobe Stock / kaliel

Do not rely on deceptive energy security!

Energy policy consequences of the Iran-Israel war for Germany

Quantum technology and Germany's security policy Generated with the AI Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Quantum Technology and Germany's Security Policy: A Geopolitical Necessity  

Key Technology with Enormous Potential for Military and Civilian Applications

Header_Einzeltitel_ETS Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

What’s next for ETS2?

Suggestions and Considerations for Implementation and Strengthening Credibility

Header_Frühe_Basiskompetenzen Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

What Canada and Singapore teach us about promoting basic skills at an early age

High-quality early childhood education for equal opportunities and educational success

Baustelle eines Gebäudes KI-generiert mit Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

CO₂ limits in the construction sector – an intervention justified by regulatory policy

A CO₂ cap in construction as a supplement to CO₂ pricing: reduce emissions, promote investment and create planning security

Nuclear power plant in Vietnam Nuclear power plant in VietnamKI-generated with Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

A second chance for nuclear energy in Vietnam

The increasing energy demand in Vietnam is leading to a (re)entry into nuclear energy

Chinesische und Deutsche Flagge vor einer geziegelten Mauer Adobe Stock / Николай Крапивин

China's role in development cooperation

A critical look at Chinese development efforts and what Germany can learn from them

Waldbrände in Griechenland 2024 Privatfoto / Vasilis Kougionis

Forest and vegetation fires in Greece 2024

Challenges, Impact & International aid

Firefly Ein futuristisches Schachspiel auf einem lebendigen, hochmodernen Schachbrett symbolisiert KI-geniert mit Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

AI Robotics as a Competitive Advantage

Reaching the Top with Intelligent Machines

High-Impact Tutoring Adobe Firefly/Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

High-Impact Tutoring: an effective lever for improving basic skills

How High-Impact Tutoring can strengthening basic skills and effectively combat the education crisis

Defence aircraft Adobe Stock/WITTAYA ANGMUJCHA

Boost for the Defence Industry

Seven short-term proposals for a competitive domestic defence sector

Stethoskop auf digitaler Weltkarte Adobe Stock/ Nataliya

The Value of Global Health

Why Germany's strong commitment is worthwhile

Flaggen der USA und Mexikos auf rissige Mauer gemalt PantherMedia / daniel0

Mexico: Turbulent start to a landmark year

An overview of current political events

Policy Atlas Wohnen

Policy Atlas ‘Renting, Buying, Living’

An overview of key housing policy measures

Internationale Talente für den Mittelstand panthermedia

International talent for the German middle class

Measures to improve skilled immigration

Cover Forschungsnation China Mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert/ Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Research nation China

Partner, competitor and systemic rival

KI und Wahlen Adobe Stock / Artlana; generiert mit KI

AI and Elections: New dynamics of digital democracy in Germany

Opportunities and risks for our democratic order through AI in the super election year 2024

Offshore Windpark Adobe Stock / agrarmotive

Wind power as a key to Vietnam's sustainable future?

Climate change, energy security, and economic growth

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Events on the topic

Sep

2025

Herausforderung Wohnraum – Wege für eine zukunftsfähige Wohnungspolitik

Impulse und Podiumsdiskussion

Sep

2025

Freiburg

Die Macht der Maschinen

Wie künstliche Intelligenz die Welt verändert

Oct

2025

Berlin

City. Country. Living space? - The housing congress for everyone

Building the future together: innovative, sustainable, and affordable.

Event Reports on the topic

Event Reports on the topic

Cover picture innovation conference Edgar Nemschok/KAS

Vision Innovation: How does innovation become a catalyst for new growth?

Which course must be set today to shape the progress of tomorrow

Bild-20250602-180500-2c2c4cde

Wirtschaft – Wohlstand – Wohnen

Das Podium v.l.n.r.: Thomas Ballast (TK), Brenya Adjei (gematik), Simone Borchardt MdB, Sebastian Zilch (BMG) und Tobias Wangermann (KAS) KAS/Kai Schläfke

Transparenz und Nutzen von Gesundheitsdaten

Die elektronische Patientenakte als großer Schritt für die Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen

Kas.de

Warum die eID noch nicht fliegt und die Wallet sicher kommt

Elektronische Identität und Wallet

3

Wie sehen die ländlichen Räume der Zukunft aus?

Eine Bilanz des hybriden Alsfelder Gespräches am 06.03.2025

IMG_0456

Innovation – Machtverhältnisse im Neuland klären

Debattenforum ANSICHTSSACHE

Speaker MSC frontal Max Volz Media

Catch me if you can #CyberEdition: How to keep up with non-state hackers acting as digital proxies

Side event organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation at the Munich Security Conference

Gruppenbild der Teilnehmerinnen & Teilnehmer

Künstliche Intelligenz in Gesellschaft, Wirtschaft und Arbeitsmarkt

Utopie oder Dystopie?

2024-06-25 Düsseldorfer Leitsätze_Gruppenbild Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Soziale Marktwirtschaft – made in NRW

75 Jahre Düsseldorfer Leitsätze

Sachsens Ministerpräsident Michael Kretschmer, Nils Aldag, Christian von Olshausen, Schatzmeister und Juryvorsitzender Dr. Christoph Brand Jana Reimann-Grohs/KAS

Preis Soziale Marktwirtschaft 2024 verliehen

Dynamik, Mut zur Veränderung und Neugier auf Neues

Professor Dr. Frank Pisch Ph.D, Dr. Deborah Schnabel und Professor Dr. Dr. Christian Reuter (von links) Thomas Ehlen / kas.de

DemocrAIcy III

Gesellschaftliche Chancen und Risiken Künstlicher Intelligenz im politischen Prozess: Fake News und Cybersicherheit

Lars Zimmermann Fabian Tode

Digitale Innovationen

Demokratie modern und zukunftsfest gestalten

Podium Zimmermann, Pisch, Stuffrein

DemocrAIcy II

Die zweite Veranstaltung der Reihe am 14. Mai 2024

2024-04-30_KAS-08021-Enhanced-NR

Kann die Marktwirtschaft das Klima retten?

Ulrike Herrmann in der Diskussion mit Jens Spahn MdB

240425_Girl´s Day VII-06

Girls'Day 2024

Frauen sind spitze – auch in der Spitzentechnologie

PXL_20240423_171127770 (1)

DemocrAIcy I

Der Auftakt am 23. April 2024

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

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Media library

#Erststimme 109

Lisandra Flach: Is the global economy facing the abyss because of Trump?

Trump's ‘America first’ policy escalates: punitive tariffs threaten free trade. Michael Scheppe talks to economist Lisandra Flach about the consequences and EU reactions.

Read now
Erststimme #102

#102 Veronika Grimm: Wie geht's wieder bergauf mit der Wirtschaft?

Wir sprechen mit Prof. Dr. Veronika Grimm darüber, wie die Industrie in Deutschland wieder in Schwung kommt und wie sich Wirtschaftswachstum und Klimaschutz vereinen lassen.

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Erststimme #98:

Ein Gespräch zum Thema „Künstliche Intelligenz“

Wie funktioniert eigentlich „Künstliche Intelligenz“ und wie berühren uns diese neuen Anwendungen im Alltag? Kann KI diese Fragen beantworten? Erfahren Sie hier mehr!

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KAS USA Dialog Program

Innovation in the Global Health Field

Hermann Gröhe, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU-Parliamentary Group, visited the U.S. to talk about innovation in Global Health.

Erststimme #92: Lars Zimmermann

State modernization

We welcome our guest Lars Zimmermann, who is accompanying our work in 2024 as a KAS Fellow. Marcel Schepp talks to him about the topic of state modernization, among other things.

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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

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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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