Ulrich Petschow

There is a wide consensus about the necessity of sustainable development. There is also a consensus that wide areas of our economy, industry, and technology and the life styles in industrialized countries are not susta- able. Science and technology are widely regarded as (main) causes for this situation. Issues in this context comprise the generally low resource ef- ciency, an increased and mostly undebated technological power, an - creased invasiveness of modern technologies, increasing amounts and - versity of pollutants, and high technological risks. On the other hand science and technology are also regarded as (main) solution providers towards more sustainability. Thus the question is which type of science and technology is rather a part of the problem, and which type is rather a part of the solution? ‘Learning from nature’ may give some orientation in this context. B- mimetics and bionics are widely regarded as being a part of the solution.

Die Diskussion über die Globalisierung der Märkte bzw. die Standortdebatte ist angstbesetzt und häufig sachlich irreführend. Die Autoren relativieren existierende Befürchtungen und zeigen, daß die Gestaltungsspielräume durch die verstärkte Arbeitsteilung zwischen ähnlich strukturierten Gesellschaften zunehmen. Sie geben Hinweise darüber, wo die Handlungsspielräume liegen und vermitteln die Überzeugung, daß die arbeitsteilige Vernetzung auch eine gute Grundlage für eine nachhaltig zukunftsverträgliche Entwicklung sein kann.

Nanotechnology is frequently described as an enabling technology and 1 fundamental innovation, i.e. it is expected to lead to numerous innovative developments in the most diverse fields of technology and areas of app- cation in society and the marketplace. The technology, it is believed, has the potential for far-reaching changes that will eventually affect all areas of life. Such changes will doubtlessly have strong repercussions for society and the environment and bring with them not only the desired and intended effects such as innovations in the form of improvements to products, pr- esses and materials; economic growth; new jobs for skilled workers; relief for the environment; and further steps toward sustainable business, but also unexpected and undesirable side effects and consequences. With respect to the time spans in which nanotechnology’s full potential 2 will presumably unfold, M. C. Roco (2002:5) identified the following stages or generations for industrial prototypes and their commercial expl- tation: Past and present: The “coincidental” use of nanotechnology. Carbon black, for example, has been in use for centuries; more specific, isolated applications (catalysts, composites, etc.) have been in use since the early nineties. First generation: Passive nanostructures (ca. 2001). Application p- ticularly in the areas of coatings, nanoparticles, bulk materials (nan- tructured metals, polymers, and ceramics). Second generation: Active nanostructures (ca. 2005). Fields of appli- tion: particularly in transistors, reinforcing agents, adaptive structures, etc.

Some countries are earlier than others in the development and introduction of environmental innovations. Often, the leadership in technological development is accompanied by a leadership in environmental policy. The book provides an analysis of lead markets for innovations such as fuel cells, photovoltaics, and others. Contributions of innovation economics, policy analysis and environmental economics are assessed regarding their potential to explain the leadership of single countries. The book depicts the policy frameworks that are favourable to the creation of such lead markets on the basis of theoretical considerations and case studies. Finally, recommendations for R and D policies, environmental and industrial policies are derived.