Publications on the topic of “Sustainability needs Innovation” - Security – Innovation – Democracy
Asset Publisher
Publications on the topic of “Sustainability needs Innovation”
Asset Publisher
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
From research to business: Innovation transfer in Germany
Status, international best practices and perspectives
Economic innovation processes are based on the constant exchange of new knowledge, ideas, technical and organisational expertise that is suitable for commercial exploitation. Both the emergence and diffusion of innovations require extensive networks of different actors – companies, universities, research institutions – who are involved in generating knowledge for innovations, translating this knowledge into marketable innovations, further developing their products and disseminating them as part of their economic activities.
Dr. Michael Rothgang, Dr. Bernhard Lageman
December 17, 2025
Single title
The Inflation Reduction Act
Impacts on Cleantech, Trade and Investment
The United States have seen significant developments in key cleantech sectors following the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With the expiration of some support instruments in 2025, a new chapter for cleantech trade and investment in the United States is about to begin in 2026. This publication, produced in collaboration with E3G, examines the IRA’s impact on investment flows, imports, and exports across major U.S. cleantech sectors.
Max Gruenig
December 15, 2025
Single title
IMAGO / Depositphotos
Global Health as a Strategic Imperative – Health in the context of security and peace
Speeches by Hermann Gröhe and General Major Dr. Jürgen Meyer at the World Health Summit 2025
Global health is now a strategic imperative: pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, biotechnology, and climate change threaten not only public health but also security and stability worldwide. The speeches delivered at the World Health Summit 2025 analyze how health policy, resilience, and international cooperation can strengthen peace and security – and why investments in health are a central task for the future.
Lukas Lingenthal
November 19, 2025
Monitor
Smarterpix / ArchManStocker
Pragmatically reducing bureaucracy – lowering construction costs
Insights from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Housing Congress ‘City. Country. Living Space?’ – on 16 October 2025
The German housing market is in the midst of a profound structural crisis. A lasting solution can only be achieved through increased housing construction – but high construction costs and complex regulatory requirements are significantly hampering building activity. To solve this problem, there is an urgent need to reduce regulatory complexity.
Dr. Jan Cernicky, Dr. Sarah Al Doyaili-Wangler, Melanie Gerster
November 17, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Return to stability and pragmatism
President Lee Jae-myung demonstrates diplomatic competency
From 31 October to 1 November, South Korea hosted this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, the former capital of its Silla Dynasty. This was Korea's first international, multipolar stage under the new presidency of Lee Jae-myung and thus the first opportunity to polish up Korea's image after it had been severely damaged by former president Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration at the end of last year and his protracted impeachment proceedings that lasted until April 2025. Uncertainty and concerns surrounded the preparations for the event in the country – not least because the real spotlight was on the bilateral meetings on the sidelines of APEC. But avoiding any major divergences with the US or with China, and between the US and China, is Lee Jae-myung's quiet success: a sign of a more stable, pragmatic Korea.
Henrik Braun, Sarah Fahrenkrug, Yu-Jin Song
November 7, 2025
Country reports
Cybersecuring the Modern Bioeconomy
Policy Imperatives for the AI-Genomics Convergence
AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing are fusing into a new domain of opportunity — and risk. This paper unpacks how this convergence could expose scientific systems to cyberattacks, espionage, and data manipulation. The analysis is based on a study and event hosted by KAS USA earlier this year.
Eleonore Pauwels
October 22, 2025
Single title
Adobe Stock / Nongkhane; generiert mit KI
Water is becoming a critical resource
Perspectives for climate-resilient water management in Germany and the EU
Water scarcity is increasing worldwide – including in Europe and especially in Germany. Extreme weather events as a result of climate change cause costly damage and endanger livelihoods. At the same time, water supplies are coming under pressure due to pollution, overuse and the generation of renewable energies. Economic and ecological conflicts are the consequences that could also endanger security and social cohesion in the future if countermeasures are not taken in time.
Gisela Elsner
September 15, 2025
Sustainability Monitor
stock.adobe.com/A2Z AI
India's importance for Germany's science and innovation
From Bangalore to Berlin: Indian students strengthen STEM fields and contribute to securing skilled labor
India is becoming increasingly important to Germany as a geopolitical partner and hub of innovation, especially due to its young population, strong economic growth, and technological progress. With around 50,000 individuals, Indian students form the largest international group in Germany, particularly in STEM fields. Many stay after graduation and work in highly skilled professions. To better harness their potential, more English-language degree programs, faster visa processes, affordable housing, language support, practical training opportunities, and strong integration networks are needed.
Jan Wöpking, Felise Maennig-Fortmann
August 11, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / Kyodo News
Suddenly in the Lead – Germany’s New Role in Global Health
On the new opportunities for Germany’s foreign, economic and security policy
Germany has assumed a leadership role in global health following the U.S. withdrawal. This new responsibility offers opportunities for foreign policy influence, security resilience, and economic strength. Germany’s high international standing is based not only on financial contributions but also on its position in science and innovative industry. Strengthening and institutionalizing this role could benefit Germany.
Lukas Lingenthal
July 31, 2025
Facts and Findings
Adobe Stock/ 1xpert
The European Union – stabilised internally, confronted externally
Results of the Panorama Analysis 2025
The Panorama Analysis 2025 provides a comprehensive insight into the current development of the European Union and its environment in a year-on-year comparison. The analysis presents a multithematic assessment of the current situation in the areas of innovation and competitiveness, the attitudes of member states towards the EU, and the global environment. By using qualitative and quantitative indicators, it provides sound insights into current trends and developments.
