Publications on the topic of “Growth needs Innovation” - Security – Innovation – Democracy
Asset Publisher
Publications on the topic of “Growth needs Innovation”
Asset Publisher
IMAGO / photothek
Why a Lithium Partnership with Bolivia Is Strategically Crucial for Germany and Europe
If Not Now, When?
Bolivia holds the world’s largest lithium reserves, and is opening up politically to international partnerships. At the same time, Europe faces increasing pressure to reduce its raw material dependence. Is a strategic alliance with global impact emerging or do risks and uncertainties prevail?
Dr. Christina Stolte
July 7, 2026
International Reports
IMAGO / Christian Ohde
The EU–Mercosur Agreement
Fresh Momentum for European–Latin American Relations
The EU–Mercosur Agreement is as hailed as a milestone as it is contested. Between economic opportunities, criticism and global competition, much is at stake for businesses, agriculture and the EU’s international role. Can the deal deliver growth without deepening political and environmental tensions?
Dr Patricia Enssle
July 7, 2026
International Reports
IMAGO / Agencia Prensa-Independiente
How Spain and Portugal Are Positioning Themselves as Bridges between Europe and Latin America
The Ibero-American Axis
Latin America is becoming a key arena of global power shifts. In this context, Spain and Portugal position themselves as strategic intermediaries between Europe and the region. How stable is this “Iberian bridge”, and does it always serve the general European and German interests?
Martin Friedek, Dr. Ludger Gruber
July 7, 2026
International Reports
IMAGO / Xinhua
Latin America’s View of Asia Based on the Example of the Pacific Alliance
In Search of New Alliances
Through the Pacific Alliance, various Latin American states seek to strategically align their economic integration with the Asia-Pacific region. Flexible structures and open markets offer opportunities, but geopolitical competition and structural imbalances pose challenges.
Andreas Michael Klein
June 26, 2026
International Reports
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity in Ethiopia
Mapping the Interface
This newly released policy brief, authored by Professor Kinfe Yilma, Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, University of Leeds, provides a timely and insightful analysis of the intersection between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in Ethiopia.
As Ethiopia accelerates its digital transformation, AI is increasingly reshaping governance, economic activity, and everyday life. The brief offers a critical and forward-looking assessment of both the opportunities and risks associated with these developments. It highlights how technological innovation is advancing in parallel with growing cybersecurity threats, data protection challenges, and risks of misuse.
Importantly, the brief reframes cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar of human security, good governance, and sustainable development. It identifies key gaps in existing policy frameworks, legal regimes, and institutional capacities, underscoring the urgent need for a more coherent and robust response.
Grounded in a human-centered approach, the analysis calls for stronger safeguards, more inclusive governance structures, and enhanced coordination among government, the private sector, and civil society. Through clear and actionable recommendations, the brief provides a practical roadmap for leveraging the benefits of AI while fostering a secure, resilient, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem in Ethiopia.
June 12, 2026
Policy Reports
AI and the Future of Digital Governance: Advancing Public Service Transformation in 2025
The proceedings on key discussions, policy insights, and challenges surrounding the transition toward digital government in the age of AI
The proceedings consolidate the key findings and discussions from the academic seminar entitled “AI and the Future of Digital Government: Advancing Public Service Standards 2025,” organised by the Institute of Democratization Studies on 24 November 2025, with support from KAS Thailand. They explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms in strengthening state capacity, enhancing public-service delivery, and advancing digital governance in Thailand. Bringing together perspectives from policymakers, local authorities, and public-governance experts, the seminar particularly highlighted the cases of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Nakhon Sawan Municipality, reflecting both the innovative potential and the structural limitations of Thailand’s ongoing digital transformation.
May 21, 2026
Single title
KALUZA+SCHMID
The Quiet Driver of Economic Success
Competition Policy with Backbone and Reform Ambition
Effective competition is a key prerequisite for Europe’s economic renewal, as it strengthens resilience and innovation. The study develops a three-part framework for policy action: the first part highlights the role of competition policy in strengthening democracy, safeguarding an open market order, and ensuring the integrity of the EU Single Market. The second part analyses the role of competition policy in times of geopolitical and economic disruption and industrial policy challenges. The third part formulates recommendations for the application and further development of competition law.
Jens-Uwe Franck, Martin Peitz
May 18, 2026
Single title
KALUZA + SCHMID
Global Economic Governance in a Fragmented World
How Geopolitics Shapes International Cooperation and its Institutions
The global rules-based order is undergoing its most significant stress test since the end of the Second World War. Through this compilation, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung seeks to contribute to ongoing discourse surrounding the future of global governance within the realms of economic and trade policy. The focus is on the institutions via which global governance is exercised. Four chapters offer a multi‑dimensional perspective on the challenges and potential pathways for the future architecture of global economic governance.
Gunter Rieck Moncayo, Christian E. Rieck, Keith Rockwell, Edmund Terence Gomez, Nikolaus Rischbieter
March 27, 2026
Single title
Smarterpix / DavoeWebster
Alarming Decline in Biodiversity
Insights to the value of ecosystem service for the economy
The loss of biodiversity is progressing worldwide on a historic scale and endangers key ecosystem services – from pollination to coastal protection to water supply. Economic activities are among the main drivers of biodiversity decline. At the same time, this creates considerable risks for companies, investments and global value chains. Biodiversity policy should therefore be understood not only as environmental policy, but also as economic policy with all relevant stakeholders playing their part.
Dr. Christoph Biehl
March 19, 2026
Sustainability Monitor
smarterpix / HayDmitriy
AI literacy requirements should be reformed to be more practical
Article 4 of the AI Act: Good for bureaucracy, bad in practice
Article 4 of the AI Act leads to abstract, one-off training courses that can be easily monitored bureaucratically. In practice, however, they offer little real added value. What is needed instead are agile, sector-specific teaching and learning programmes. Art. 4 should therefore be amended with the Digital Omnibus.
