Press

It is not only since the corona crisis that it has become clear how important technological competitiveness and independence are for Europe. Growing geopolitical uncertainties and the threat of global trade conflicts are increasingly questioning trade relationships that have evolved over decades. The debate surrounding the introduction of the 5G standard is another example that shows a discussion is needed about how independent Germany and Europe can and must be with regard to essential technologies. In a position paper, Fraunhofer ISI presents a differentiated analytical approach to determining the criticality of technologies and the degree of technology sovereignty at national and international level. Applying this concept can be the basis for modified, situation-specific strategies to ensure future-proof technology sovereignty.

How well do electric cars perform environmentally? How will their range, economic efficiency and charging infrastructure develop in the long term? Will electric mobility mean job losses? These and many other questions to do with the battery value chain are addressed by the Fraunhofer ISI in a Policy Brief, which was presented at the Battery Forum Germany in Berlin. Main message: there is nothing to stop the widespread market diffusion of electric cars between 2020 and 2030+, although numerous challenges still have to be addressed.

Protecting the climate and the environment, ensuring food security and more sustainability in the economy and society: many of the challenges we are currently facing could benefit greatly from a future bio-based economy. However, it remains unclear what such a bioeconomy could look like and how to shape the transition towards it. Fraunhofer ISI's recently completed project “Transformation Bio”, which was funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, addresses these issues and researches what government should do to support the transformation to a bioeconomy.

What turnover potential and productivity effects do digital business models offer industrial enterprises? And how widespread are they? A new study by Fraunhofer ISI deals with these questions as part of the representative company survey “German Manufacturing Survey”. Its conclusion: Digital business models can be a decisive competitive factor for the manufacturing sector in the future – if there is clear customer orientation and a targeted use of digital technologies.