Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Integration and transfer of the r³ research results on securing a sustainable supply of strategic metals and minerals (INTRA r³ +)

It is true that strategic metals and minerals play only a minor role in terms of the quantities used, but they are essential for the manufacture of high-tech products. In view of their globally rising demand, it is crucial for Germany’s international competitiveness to secure a sustainable supply of these resources. To achieve the goal of greater resource efficiency, the BMBF funding program “r³ – Innovative Technologies for Resource Efficiency – Strategic Metals and Minerals (r³)” supports research and development into innovative technologies, services and methods. Research is being done in the fields "Recycling", "Urban Mining" as well as “Efficiency gains” and ”Substitution” in processes and products. In addition, a tool for measuring resource efficiency is being developed. Alongside these technology development projects, an integration and transfer project has also been launched to integrate, network and scientifically monitor the collaborative research alliances.

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The objective of the r3 research projects is to develop solutions for the economy and industry which can be rapidly turned into practicable production and recycling processes. The main focuses of the INTRA r3+ integration and transfer project are internal networking, public relations and improving cooperation with external partners, both nationally and internationally. The project team assesses the research results with regard to their contribution to sustainability (economic efficiency as well as energy and environmental requirements) and to the security of supply. Together with the project leaders, the team prepares the transfer of new technologies and products into the economy.

Within the integration and transfer project, the Fraunhofer ISI is responsible for the following work packages in the sub-project “Analysis of potentials”:

  1. Increasing security of supply

  2. Macroeconomic benefits of the funding measure

  3. Screening of the international environment

  4. Identification of future challenges to resource efficiency 

Duration

January 2012 until December 2015

Client

  • German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF

Coordination

  • Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology

Partners

  • Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT

  • Deutsche Rohstoffagentur (German Mineral Resources Agency)

  • Universität Stuttgart, Lehrstuhl für Bauphysik (LBP) (University of Stuttgart, Chair of Building Physics)

  • Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (Freiberg University of Mining and Technology)

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