Topic networks
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Projects
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How does acatech work?
acatech is a flexible working academy, as well as a science and business network. Outstanding scientists are the driving force behind its core work, while experts from industry bring about a transfer of knowledge arising from practical applications in industry. They engage in the core issues of science and technology and in policy questions within a techno-political context. These issues are structured into topical networks that give rise to project groups in which academy members work closely with external experts from science and business.
The results are presented to policy makers, the business sector and the interested public in scientific series, symposia, fora and discussion panels.
acatech is a non-profit agency. Its funding comes from the Federal government and states. Additional funding is drawn from donations and project-specific third-party sources.
Main fields of work
acatech aims to emphasise the importance of future-oriented technologies through dialogue with the natural and social sciences as well as the humanities. It crosses academic and national boundaries and builds a bridge between the economy, science, politics and society. acatech provides neutral, fact and science-based assessments of technology-related questions and strives to serve society with far-sighted recommendations of excellent quality. The work of the academy falls mainly within four core fields:
Knowledge Transfer
New technologies encompass opportunities and risks. The high degree of specialisation and the speed of scientific developments make it difficult for citizens and decision makers in politics and industry alike to reach rational conclusions about technological developments. Thus acatech considers one of its most important tasks to be the provision of advice to politicians and the public. Knowledge transfer in particular includes providing information on the economic importance of the technological sciences. These are driving forces for innovation and lasting growth, and therefore they play a key role in the continued development of regions and in securing future prosperity.
acatech aims to create confidence and helps to develop an open-minded, success-oriented culture of innovation by informing and holding critical discussions with politicians, industry, and the public. acatech wants to make its contribution towards ensuring that Germany, with its technological capabilities, remains among the world leaders.
Multidisciplinary Research
The technological sciences, in cooperation with natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, can help to solve technical, economic, ecological, and social problems on a global scale. acatech sees its task in identifying future topics and in working out solutions in interdisciplinary projects.
Working groups established by acatech develop suggestions and recommendations on topics such as mobility, sustainable energy supplies, life sciences and communications technology.
The working groups consist of acatech members as well as external experts from science and industry.
Engineering Education
An excellent education for technicians and engineers is a prerequisite for the innovative capacity of our country. German engineering education still enjoys a high reputation worldwide. At the same time, we meet with great challenges regarding the innovation and international outlook of our curriculum. However, we must start to foster new generations of engineers at school. It is here that we must inspire the young with an enthusiasm for technology and give them the thorough grounding they need for their further education.
Therefore acatech is committed to reforming and improving technological education in schools and at university level.
International Cooperation
At international level, acatech represents Germany on the European Council of Applied Sciences, Technologies and Engineering (Euro-CASE) and on the International council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS).
Publications in English
Berlin,
15. Mai 2013acatech POSITION PAPER: Internet Privacy. Taking opportunities, assessing risks, building trust
With its online marketplaces, search engines, social networks and multitude of other services, the Internet can contribute to upholding the basic European values of free self-determination, political participation and economic...
Berlin,
6. November 2012acatech POSITION PAPER: Perspectives on Biotechnology Communication. Controversies - Contexts - Formats
Biotechnology, and genetic engineering in particular, have been a point of focus for public debate in Germany for almost 40 years. However, controversy in social and academic settings centres around specific application rather...
Berlin,
21. Oktober 2012acatech STUDY: Future Energy Grid. Migration to the Internet of Energy
Germany wants to opt out of nuclear energy by 2022 and rapidly switch to energy supply based on renewable energies such as wind and solar power. These renewable energies can only be integrated into the electricity system on a...
Berlin,
13. September 2012Towards a financially viable transition to sustainable energy. Efficient regulation for tomorrow's energy system
In a nutshell, the paper urges a fundamental overhaul of the energy sector's regulatory framework based on a coherent and consistent overall design. Instead of continuing to implement new, uncoordinated individual measures,...
Berlin,
15. Mai 2012Driving German Innovation. The role of incubator organisations in the promotion of high-tech academic spin-offs
Besides major companies carrying out research in Germany, high-tech spin-offs from the research community play a key role in transforming ideas into innovations.However, German levels of innovation currently lag behind those of...
Berlin,
10. April 2012acatech STUDY: Recommendations on the Future of the Engineering Doctorate
Due to continuing discussions about structure and objectives of doctorates in Europe, acatech published an updated and translated summary of its recommendations on the future of the engineering doctorate at German universities....
Berlin,
20. Februar 2012Georesource Water – The Challenge of Global Change Approaches and requirements for an integrated management of water resources in Germany
Climate change, the globalisation of markets, demographic change, rapid technological developments and changes in land use all represent different facets of what is usually referred to as global change. While the impact of global...
Berlin,
2. Februar 2012Future Energy Grid. Information and communication technology for the way towards a sustainable and economical energy system
The current energy grid is not designed for a large number of fluctuating energy sources, therefore the renewable energies can only be integrated into the electricity system on a large scale if the grid infrastructure and storage...
Berlin,
27. Dezember 2011Cyber-Physical Systems. Driving force for innovation in mobility, health, energy and production
Today, about 98 percent of microprocessors are already embedded in everyday objects and devices, connected with the outside world through sensors and actuators. They are increasingly networked with one another and on the...
Berlin,
14. September 2011Phasing Out Nuclear Power Safely. Why Germany needs nuclear expertise for decommissioning, reactor safety, ultimate disposal and radiation protection
In early summer this year, the German Government decided that the country’s final nuclear reactor is scheduled to go offline in 2022. This decision does not mean Germany’s nuclear technology will disappear overnight. It must...
Berlin,
4. Mai 2011Smart Cities. German High Technology for the Cities of the Future
The present publication approaches the "Smart City" topic from the perspective of technology policy. The topic is embedded in other acatech activities, like the Smart Cities workshop conducted in Bangalore on 12...
Berlin/Heidelberg,
17. Januar 2011European Perspectives on Security Research
Europe’s networked societies of today are shaped by agrowing interconnection in almost all areas of life. Thecomplexity of our infrastructures and the concurrent accessibilityto means of destruction by terrorist groups...
Munich,
29. Juni 2010acatech TAKES A POSITION: Strategy for promoting interest in science and engineering
Germany is threatened by a dearth of professionals skilled in MINT occupations. This can have far-reaching consequences for the innovative capacity of science and industry. Therefore it is the declared goal of acatech, the German...
München,
7. Mai 2010acatech TAKES A POSITION: Materials science and engineering in Germany
Materials are the basis of the production industry. Traditionally, Germany has been very strongly positioned in this sector. Despite the great economic significance of classic materials (metals, glass/ceramics and plastics) and...
München,
6. April 2010More Years, More Life
The recommendations focus on the impact of demographic aging on the world of work and lifelong learning in Germany. As aging in the context of work and lifelong learning, however, is closely associated with other domains of...