Beyond EVE: Events

World without cash?

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 11:58:52 +0200

TAB report on changes in traditional banking and payment systems and changes in its power structure provides an overview of developments in the payment traffic and changes in its power structure.

In Germany, cash is the only unrestricted legal tender and still the most commonly used means of payment. Compared with non-cash means of payment, cash is an important corrective in payment transactions. No other non-cash means of payment achieves a similarly high level of inclusion and provides comparable protection of privacy. Nevertheless, the use of non-cash means of payment continues to increase in Germany. Card-based payment methods are of particular importance - either directly with the plastic card (debit or credit card) or with the virtual card via which non-cash payment methods are processed in the background, as is common in mobile payment and Internet payment methods.

BigTechs - large companies with established technology platforms such as Alibaba, Amazon, and Facebook - are now established players in payments. Given the increasing presence and market power of U.S. card providers and BigTechs, as well as the likely growing influence of Chinese BigTechs in payments, the question of how to preserve the European banking industry's ability to act will arise more strongly in the future.

The TAB report provides an overview of developments in payment transactions up to and including February 2021, examining and comparing the specific characteristics of cash and selected non-cash payment solutions as well as payment behavior in Germany, Sweden, and China. The brief study is rounded off by an examination of the changing power structure in payment transactions as a result of the emergence of new players and the reactions of traditional credit institutions and central banks to this.

The TAB report and the accompanying policy brief TAB-Fokus Nr. 37 (both currently only in German) are available online. An English translation of the TAB-Fokus will follow soon.

Function determines form

Technische Universität Berlin — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:42:09 +0100

New AI algorithm generates innovative substances on the basis of desired properties

Whether in medicine, battery research, or materials science, researchers everywhere are seeking innovative substances. In the process, they can often predict the desired chemical and physical properties in great detail, right down to atomic level. However, the range of all potential chemical compounds alone is so vast that it would take years to find the appropriate substance. An interdisciplinary research group at the Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data (BIFOLD) at Technische Universität Berlin has now developed an algorithm which uses AI to implement inverse chemical design and thus generate targeted molecules based on their desired properties. The research group's publication titled "Inverse design of 3d molecular structures with conditional generative neural networks" has now been published in the renowned journal Nature Communications.

The search for suitable molecules for specific medical or industrial applications is an extremely complex and expensive process. "Hypothetically, there are an incredible number of possible structures. However, only a tiny fraction possesses the specific chemical or physical properties required for a particular application," explains Dr. Kristof Schütt, BIFOLD Junior Fellow at TU Berlin. A wealth of methods has been developed in recent years capable of predicting the chemical properties and energetic states of given substances using AI. But even using these efficient methods, the search for molecules with specific properties has proven difficult in practice, as it is still necessary to search through an overwhelming number of candidates.

German Federal Environmental Foundation

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 17:14:08 +0200

The DBU funds innovative, exemplary and solution-oriented projects for the protection of the environment, with special consideration of small and medium-sized enterprises. The funding activities focus on environmental technology and research, nature conservation, environmental communication and protection of cultural assets.

Since 1991, the DBU has funded more than 10,000 projects with € 1.84 billion. At the same time, the foundation capital (€ 1.28 billion at the beginning) was increased to around € 2.32 billion.

Funded projects should achieve sustainable effects in practice, give impulses and lead to a “multiplier effect”. It is the objective of the DBU to contribute to the solution of current environmental problems, in particular, which result from unsustainable business practices and lifestyles. The DBU sees the crucial challenges primarily in the areas of climate change, biodiversity loss, unsustainable use of natural resources, and harmful emissions. The funding topics are linked both to current scientific findings on the Planetary Boundaries and to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Board of Trustees

The DBU is chaired by the Board of Trustees whose members are appointed by the Federal Government. It is composed of federal and state politicians as well as representatives of other socially relevant groups.

Never apologise, never explain: (How) can AI rebuild trust after conflicts?

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 15:54:17 +0200

Algorithms – and the actors behind them – are surveying and impacting ever more dimensions of our modern lives. They recommend which movies to watch; they calculate risk appropriate credit scores; and they play a role in meting out “just” punishment; to only name a few areas. At the same time, they correct imperfect human decisions and add new informational dimensions to decisions prior impossible. To assess and evaluate the impeding transformations of normative orders in a predictive society, we approach algorithms in light of the juxtaposition of trust and control. Why and under which conditions do – or don’t – we trust algorithms? Indeed, can and should we trust them? Especially because their algorithmic normativity was (not) produced in justificatory fora where trust is brought about in and through social conflicts? But then, how much trust – if any – should algorithms put into us as citizens? For example, do they have to presume us non-dangerous and harmless? Vice versa, how much control do we need to retain over algorithms? And how much control should they exert over us? Can we use algorithms to control the effect of algorithms and thus create a meta-level of trust? Especially in order to negate, or as a matter of fact: to entertain, the freedom to deviate in the algorithmic society?

Prof. Burkhard Schäfer (University of Edinburgh, Professor of Computational Legal Theory)

Opening Remarks by Prof. Enrico Schleiff (President of Goethe University)

Opening Remarks by Prof. Rainer Forst (Speaker of ConTrust and Normative Orders)

Welcoming Remarks & Comment Prof. Klaus Günther (Dean of the Faculty of Law Goethe University)

Convenors: Prof. Christoph Burchard (Goethe University, Professor of Criminal Justice, PI of ConTrust and "Normative Orders") and Prof. Indra Spiecker gen. Döhmann (Goethe University, Professor of Public Law, PI of ConTrust)

Presented by:

Forschungsverbund "Normative Ordnungen" der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, "ConTrust" - ein Clusterprojekt des Landes Hessen, Frankfurter Gespräche zum Informationsrecht des Lehrstuhls für Öffentliches Recht, Umweltrecht, Informationsrecht und Verwaltungswissenschaften und Zentrum verantwortungsbewusste Digitalisierung

Agrarklimaschutz

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 21:06:01 +0100

Agriculture shall produce high-grade food and renewable resources in a reliable manner. In future, agricultural production will face increasing pressure to release fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants. International agreements on climate change mitigation and air pollution control oblige Germany to reduce emissions. As agriculture is the largest source of some greenhouse gases – nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) - it has a special responsibility for emission reductions. Likewise agricultural land management will decide whether soils are a source or sink of climate relevant CO2-carbon. We carry out research between the conflicting priorities of agricultural production and climate change mitigation with an interdisciplinary team of scientists. We support the development of resource-efficient, climate-smart and environmentally-friendly agriculture with our research and produce scientifically sound solutions and decision support for policymakers: - We assess how agricultural production methods, land use and agricultural policy measures affect emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. - We analyse the formation and turnover of greenhouse gases in agriculture. - We carry out the National Agricultural Soil Survey, which enables us for the first time to systematically quantify the organic matter stocks in German agricultural soils. - We annually compile the national greenhouse gas inventory for the sectors agriculture and land use as part of the German reports under international climate conventions. - We develop strategies for climate change mitigation in agriculture.

Michael E. Mann — The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet - with Bill Nye

Politics and Prose Bookstore — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 22:27:34 +0100

Recycle. Fly less. Eat less meat. These are some of the ways that we've been told can slow climate change. But the inordinate emphasis on individual behavior is the result of a marketing campaign that has succeeded in placing the responsibility for fixing climate change squarely on the shoulders of individuals.

Fossil fuel companies have followed the example of other industries deflecting blame (think "guns don't kill people, people kill people") or greenwashing (think of the beverage industry's "Crying Indian" commercials of the 1970s). Meanwhile, they've blocked efforts to regulate or price carbon emissions, run PR campaigns aimed at discrediting viable alternatives, and have abdicated their responsibility in fixing the problem they've created. The result has been disastrous for our planet.

In The New Climate War, Mann argues that all is not lost. He draws the battle lines between the people and the polluters-fossil fuel companies, right-wing plutocrats, and petrostates. And he outlines a plan for forcing our governments and corporations to wake up and make real change, including:

a common-sense, attainable approach to carbon pricing- and a revision of the well-intentioned but flawed currently proposed version of the Green New Deal;
allowing renewable energy to compete fairly against fossil fuels
debunking the false narratives and arguments that have worked their way into the climate debate and driven a wedge between even those who support climate change solutions
combatting climate doomism and despair-mongering

Michael E. Mann is Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. In 2020 he was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. He is the author of numerous books, including Dire Predictions, Climate Wars, and The Madhouse Effect.

Bill Nye, scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, is a man with a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society, to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Making science entertaining and accessible is something Bill has been doing most of his life.

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:00:15 +0100

As technological innovation transforms the global economy and society, policymakers often lack the specialized knowledge and expert perspective necessary to evaluate and respond to fast-moving issues and circumstances. What should they do to capitalize on new opportunities, overcome challenges, and avoid potential pitfalls? The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) exists to provide answers and point the way forward.

Founded in 2006, ITIF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute—a think tank. Its mission is to formulate, evaluate, and promote policy solutions that accelerate innovation and boost productivity to spur growth, opportunity, and progress. ITIF’s goal is to provide policymakers around the world with high-quality information, analysis, and recommendations they can trust. To that end, ITIF adheres to a high standard of research integrity with an internal code of ethics grounded in analytical rigor, policy pragmatism, and independence from external direction or bias.

Focus

ITIF focuses on a host of critical issues at the intersection of technological innovation and public policy—including economic issues related to innovation, competitiveness, trade, and globalization; and technology-related issues in the areas of information technology and data, broadband telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, agricultural biotechnology, and clean energy. (Read more about ITIF’s policy goals and values.)

Ongoing research programs and educational activities include:

Setting the policy agenda on technology, innovation, and global competition issues by producing original research reports and analytical commentary;
Shaping public debate by hosting events, giving speeches and presentations, providing official testimony, publishing op-eds, and serving as expert issue analysts in the news media; and
Advising policymakers through direct interaction in Washington, D.C., and other state, national, and regional capitals around the world.

On the strength and influence of this work, the University of Pennsylvania has ranked ITIF as the world’s leading think tank for science and technology policy, and one of the top 27 U.S. think tanks overall.

Expertise

ITIF is led by its president and founder, Robert D. Atkinson, an internationally recognized policy scholar and widely published author whom The New Republic has named one of the “three most important thinkers about innovation,” Washingtonian Magazine has called a “Tech Titan,” and Government Technology Magazine has judged to be one of the 25 top “Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of Information Technology.” Under Atkinson, ITIF’s team of policy analysts and fellows includes authors and recognized experts in the fields of economics, tax policy, trade, telecommunications, privacy, cybersecurity, and life sciences, among many others.

ITIF is home to the highly regarded Center for Data Innovation, which develops and promotes policy ideas to capitalize on the tremendous economic and social benefits that data-driven innovation can offer. ITIF also launched—and spearheads—the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance, an international network of think tanks that conduct evidence-based research into policies that can foster greater trade liberalization, curb “innovation mercantilism,” and encourage governments to play proactive roles in spurring innovation and productivity.

Bundesarchitektenkammer e.V.

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 16:54:42 +0100

The BAK - Federal Chamber of German Architects is the governing body of the 16 Federal State Chambers of Architects in Germany. It represents the interests of about 134.000 architects in politics and the public on a national and international level. Although both architect and building order regulations are a matter of individual federal state legislation, many important political decisions pertaining to the profession are made in Berlin or Brussels.

Like lawyers, medical practitioners or pharmacists, architects belong to the group of liberal professions, whose occupational titles are protected by law. Only those professionals registered with the chamber of architects in his or her federal state are allowed to call themselves architect, landscape architect, interior architect or urban planner. Even though the admission rules vary slightly between the individual federal states, the chamber system guarantees that all professionals maintain a high level of professional training. This safeguards the quality of architectural and planning services in Germany so esteemed also abroad.

Amongst other things, the professional policy activities of the BAK focuses on professional training, competition and public procurement law, yet include also questions of standardisation and the development of the "Honorarordnung für Architekten und Ingenieure" (HOAI - German Fee Scales for Architects and Engineers). The HOAI constitutes a well-proven, transparent and reliable negotiation basis for fees for all those involved. It ensures that competition in planning services is based on quality and not on price, so that architects can work for the benefit of the awarding authorities and individuals, the users and the public.

The "Deutsche Architektenblatt" is the monthly member magazine of the BAK and the Federal State Chambers of Architects. It distinguished itself as a magazine with which architects can identify as regards their work in general, their questions, professional challenges and successes.

Forum for Interdisciplinary Research

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:36:11 +0100

Diversity is an important resource for scientific productivity that cannot be planned, but only cultivated. It enables innovative research, but requires completely different instruments for its protection and development than the individual research projects themselves. The Forum for Interdisciplinary Research has therefore created a variety of different event and funding formats that enable custom-fit work. It raises the question of what exactly is meant by inter-, trans- and multidisciplinary work only when it is relevant to the planning of concrete projects. Basically, it always follows the maxim of maintaining the freedom to pragmatically cultivate the research environment at this university. Its main tasks are naturally to be found where new fields of research are developing, such as in the field of digitalisation, which involves the question of so-called digital humanities as well as the areas of self-driving cars and 3D printing, for instance. FiF also takes the initiative whenever research becomes relevant for political decision-making processes. The topics of energy, data security, scientific communication and cyberwar are just a few examples.

Wirtschaftsuniversitaet Wien

Wirtschaftsuniversitaet Wien — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:01:51 +0100

WU provides space for contemplation and creativity and is a pioneer in research and teaching, all with the goal of increasing economic capability and social prosperity. WU’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni take social responsibility and are characterized by their expertise, open-mindedness, and eagerness to make a difference. WU is a leading academic institution and one of Europe’s most attractive universities in business and economics. True to its role as an open-minded institution, WU also sees itself as an international university, as an important hub for global exchange, and as a place where students and teachers work together. Open-mindedness and diversity were already among the university’s key values at WU’s founding in 1898. WU is committed to the principles of fairness and equal opportunities, scientific integrity, academic freedom, and especially plurality in topics and methodology. WU is a responsible university.* This means that WU not only accepts responsibility for the quality of its performance in research, teaching, and third mission activities, but also that it acts in a socially responsible manner in all that it does.

Institute for Architecture - Natural Building Lab

Institute for Architecture - Natural Building Lab — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:58:08 +0100

The NATURAL BUILDING LAB accompanies students on their learning journey in times of societal upheaval, enables them to work in dialog with inter- and transdisciplinery teams, introduces them to academic working techniques and welcomes them as part of a like-minded international network. NBL is in a metaphorical and literal sense a workshop, in which learners and teachers in teams undertake hands-on research, teaching and practice on the border between theory, practice and handwork on the most varying scales all the way up to 1:1.

Institut für Verkehrs- und Infrastruktursysteme IVI

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:55:18 +0100

The Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI employs over 100 researchers in three departments. The institute collaborates closely with the universities TU Dresden and TU Bergakademie Freiberg. The institute is operating in a wide array of transport-related research and development topics, ranging from the fields of electromobility, traffic planning and traffic ecology, traffic information, vehicle propulsion and sensor technologies, while also incorporating traffic telematics, the information and communication sectors, as well as disposition and logistics. Special attention for the Fraunhofer IVI has been raised by its electronic ticketing application, its mobile public transport navigation solution SMART-WAY, and its cross-border disaster protection system. Recently, it has especially been the 30,7 m long AutoTram® Extra Grand – the world’s longest bus – equipped with hybrid propulsion technology and an electronic multi-axle steering system that has been the focus of attention.

The Fraunhofer IVI’s facilities and large equipment include high-performance laboratories, innovative test platforms and vehicles as well as modern hardware and software. In 2013, the institute’s research infrastructure was expanded by a new technical center including a vehicle hall and an adjacent test track.

Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:47:56 +0100

Food and agriculture are subjects that affect all citizens directly. A balanced, healthy diet and safe foods, clear information for consumers when purchasing food, strong and sustainable agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors, and good prospects for our rural areas are important objectives for the BMEL. The BMEL offices in Bonn and Berlin, with approximately 900 staff, are committed to achieving these objectives. The fields of food and food safety have been dovetailed in the BMEL to enable the ministry to deal successfully with the challenges of the future. Market policy has been concentrated, policy for rural areas has been geared for the future, and environmental, climate and energy-related aspects have been integrated within sustainable agriculture. European and international activities have been concentrated, and agricultural policy activities aimed at improving the world food situation have been expanded. The strategic approaches of the technical departments have also been consolidated within a strategy and planning unit.

Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:45:54 +0100

The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE in Kassel researches for the national and international transformation of energy supply systems. It has established itself in the fields of energy and energy system technology. We develop solutions for technical and economic challenges in order to further reduce the costs of using renewable energies, to secure the supply despite volatile generation, to ensure grid stability at the usual high level and to make the business model of the energy transition a success. Competences • energy management and system design • energy meteorology and renewable resources • energy informatics • energy process technology • power grids • components and plant technics

Forschungszentrum Jülich - Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK)

Forschungszentrum Jülich - Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:29:00 +0100

The Institute of Energy and Climate Research investigates modern energy conversion technologies within the framework of climate and environmental protection. The topics it covers in the energy sector range from photovoltaics and fuel cells, through nuclear fusion and nuclear safety research, right up to innovative coal and gas power plants as well as an overarching systems analysis. In the climate sector, attention is focused on the atmosphere. The chemistry and dynamics of anthropogenic and natural trace gases such as water vapour, hydroxyls and carbon dioxide are monitored in the atmosphere by means of measuring instruments on the ground, in the air and in space. A particular strength of the Institute of Energy and Climate Research is its interdisciplinary approach for solivng interdisciplinary issues, which is facilitated by the application of complementary scientific methods and the utilization of a joint infrastructure. The Institute of Energy and Climate Research intends to assess research findings in the "energy and climate" context and thus provide advice for our society, politics and industry.

Futurium

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:26:23 +0100

Futurium is a platform dedicated to Europeans discussing EU policies. Feel free to join any - or many of the groups of this platform. You can browse the groups without registering, but for leaving a comment or for liking you need to be a registered user. You can easily create an account here. You can post in any EU language; the community managers and other colleagues will do their best to respond in your language. The platform is initially developed for digital topics, but any topic relevant for European Union is welcome to be addressed here. The name “Futurium” refers to the times ahead us, as our policies impact the future. The more we engage, the more we have impact on our future.

World Energy Council

World Energy Council — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:22:02 +0100

Since 1923, we have been engaging energy leaders throughout the world to meet whole energy system challenges. We define, enable and accelerate successful energy transitions while maintaining a technology and resource neutral global perspective and through the widespread use of a flexible Transition Leadership Toolkit, insight, interactive events and dynamic platforms to delivery strategic moments of impact. The Council has embarked on a journey with a fresh focus on collaborative innovation, which is not only about new technologies, but requires system-wide collaboration to unlock exponential growth opportunities and successfully managed energy transitions at all scales. We are a global energy transition platform, pulling together the different parts of intelligent leadership, we catalyse smart and informed dialogue. Most of all, we try and curate new experiences which are fundamental to having the practical knowledge to actually move the needle on secure, affordable and inclusive energy transition.

EIT RawMaterials

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:19:41 +0100

EIT RawMaterials, initiated and funded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), a body of the European Union, is the largest consortium in the raw materials sector worldwide. Its vision is to develop raw materials into a major strength for Europe. Its mission is to enable sustainable competitiveness of the European minerals, metals and materials sector along the value chain by driving innovation, education and entrepreneurship. EIT RawMaterials unites more than 120 core and associate partners and 180+ project partners from leading industry, universities and research institutions from more than 20 EU countries. Partners of EIT RawMaterials are active across the entire raw materials value chain; from exploration, mining and mineral processing to substitution, recycling and circular economy. They collaborate on finding new, innovative solutions to secure the supplies and improve the raw materials sector in Europe. EIT RawMaterials aims to significantly enhance innovation in the raw materials sector by sharing knowledge, facilitating matchmaking activities, developing innovative technologies and supporting business creation. EIT RawMaterials will generate a significant impact on European competitiveness and employment by driving and fostering innovation and empowering students, entrepreneurs and education partners driving towards the circular economy. This will result in the introduction of innovative and sustainable products, processes and services, as well as talented people that will deliver increased economic, environmental and social sustainability to the European society.

Helmholtz Association

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:34:28 +0100

The Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers was created in 1995 to formalise existing relationships between several globally-renowned independent research centres. The Helmholtz Association distributes core funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to its, now, 19 autonomous research centers and evaluates their effectiveness against the highest international standards. Mission We contribute to solving the major challenges facing society, science and the economy by conducting top-level research in strategic programmes within our six research fields: Energy, Earth & Environment, Health, Aeronautics, Space and Transport, Matter, and Key Technologies. We research highly complex systems using our large-scale devices and infrastructure, cooperating closely with national and international partners. We contribute to shaping our future by combining research and technology development with perspectives for innovative application and provisions in tomorrow's world. We attract and promote the best young talents, offering a unique research environment and general support throughout all career stages.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft - Institute for Open Communication Systems

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:33:21 +0100

20 billion – this is how many connected devices will be in private homes and businesses by the year 2020. This development will fundamentally change communication and interaction in all areas of life and work, from highly automated driving and new entertainment options to smart cities and the factory of tomorrow. Digitalization should ensure a higher quality of life, more sustainability and more security. To achieve this, devices have to be connected – but so does (almost) everything else: people, things, systems, processes and organizations. Innovative applications and business models usually come about through the intelligent integration of data from different sources and domains. An understanding of the different industry-specific and legal requirements is needed here, because there is not just one type of digital transformation. We have many years of experience in the fields of mobility, public safety, administration, e-health and media, with additional technical expertise in systems quality, network infrastructures and software-based systems. We view ourselves as a provider- and technology-independent mediator between industry, research and the public sector. We advise our customers in politics, administration and industry on their digitalization strategy and help them implement it. To do this, we provide test environments and develop prototypes that are secure, interoperable, and user-oriented.

KIT - Karlsruher Institut für Technologie - Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:32:47 +0100

The Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag is an independent scientific institution created with the objective of advising the German Bundestag and its committees on matters relating to research and technology. Since 1990 TAB has been operated by the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) of the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), based on a contract with the German Bundestag. TAB´s steering body is the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment. Since September 2018 KIT cooperates with the IZT - Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment gGmbH and with the VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH. TAB is a member of the European Parliamentary Technology Assessment (EPTA) Network and the German-Language network NTA (»Netzwerk TA«) (NTA)

Investing in Europe’s green and digital future

German Institute for Economic Research — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 14:59:42 +0100

The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) – the financial pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe – has been one of the good news stories to emerge in a decade of economic uncertainty. Launched by the Juncker Commission and the EIB Group in 2014, it has gone well beyond its target of €500 billion in mobilised investments. In the meantime, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to the biggest economic downturn in the history of the EU, increasing the urgency for investment into the future of the European economy.

How do we stimulate the investment needed to create a sustainable and digital Europe when economies are in crisis? What lessons can we draw from Europe’s first paradigm-changing financial initiative, the EFSI? How can we build on it and ensure its successor InvestEU will be efficient, fast and well targeted in its support?

Speakers include:

Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President for An Economy that Works for People, European Commission

Marcel Fratzscher, President, DIW Berlin

Werner Hoyer, President, European Investment Bank Group

Mariana Mazzucato, University College London

Sustainability Transformation Conference 2020

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 12:33:42 +0200

The German Environment Agency (UBA) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) invite you to attend a conference on “Sustainability Transformation Conference 2020: Socio-ecological transformation on the fast track – Covid-19 as catalyst of change?”.

The digital conference will focus on the transformation of the economy and society to shape a sustainable future. The event will be hosted by Svenja Schulze, German Minister of the Environment, and Dirk Messner, President of the German Environment Agency.

The agenda for the conference can be found here.

In light of the existing and expected restrictions on travel and group gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was taken to hold the conference as a virtual event. Attendees can participate in the conference through a live stream on the homepage of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety, and will have the opportunity to interact with speakers and other participants using voting tools and Q&A sessions (no installation needed). Links will be provided in the official invitation. There will be no registration and the conference will be held in English.

Battery Manufacturing Powers Up: Transatlantic Catch-Up and Cooperation

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:07:49 +0100

The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating. Aggressive targets and outright bans on internal combustion vehicles have been announced recently in the United States and Europe. As this reality sinks in, a challenge arises: Asia, and especially China, dominates EV supply chains, particularly for batteries, the most crucial EV component. The response to this challenge has been fragmented at best on both sides of the Atlantic. The United States has largely left it to the states. The United Kingdom is scrambling to gain a foothold during Brexit. The European Union has adopted an ambitious plan, but questions remain about follow-through. Little attention has been given to transatlantic cooperation.

ITIF hosted a transatlantic discussion of EV battery policy and how cooperation and competition might best be balanced for this “industry of the future” that’s already here.

Speakers

David M. Hart

Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Moderator

Rob Boyle

Senior Policy Analyst, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Stephen Gifford

Chief Economist, Faraday Institution

Danny Kennedy

President, CalCharge

Ilka von Dalwigk

Policy Manager, EIT InnoEnnergy

Is the United States Tax System Favoring Excessive Automation?

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:15:46 +0100

As the next wave of information technology matures, many commentators worry about the job disruption that automation technology will bring. In a recent policy brief released by the MIT Task Force on the Work of the Future, MIT economist Daron Acemoglu and his co-authors argued that the United States currently taxes machinery and equipment too little compared to labor, thereby encouraging excessive automation that eliminates jobs without making the economy more productive. ITIF President Rob Atkinson has argued in response that automation doesn’t lead to joblessness and that increasing taxes on automation equipment, including artificial intelligence, would hurt U.S. competitiveness and reduce real wage growth.

ITIF hosted a debate in which Acemoglu and Atkinson laid out their views about the future of automation technology and the effects it may have on U.S. competitiveness and the economy.

Speakers

Bernie Becker

Tax Reporter, POLITICO, Moderator

Robert D. Atkinson

President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Speaker

Daron Acemoglu

Institute Professor, MIT, Speaker

Gene Editing for the Climate: Biological Solutions for Curbing Greenhouse Emissions

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:12:02 +0100

Public investments in research and development that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions to date have focused heavily on physics and chemistry. It’s time for biology to play a much bigger role. Recent breakthroughs in gene editing are unlocking vast opportunities to mitigate climate change. They range from enhancing the efficiency of photosynthesis to reducing methane emissions from cows to optimizing crops for biofuel production, and much more. A broad, coordinated effort across the U.S. government, in close collaboration with agriculture, industry, international partners, and the public should move these solutions forward.

Join ITIF for a presentation of a new report on gene-edited solutions for climate change and a panel discussion on the implications of these technologies.

Speakers

David M. Hart

Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Moderator

Val Giddings

Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Presenter

Robert Rozansky

Former Senior Policy Analyst, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Presenter

Pamela Ronald

Professor, Dept. of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, UC Davis, Panelist

Scott Knight

Head of Genome Editing and Yield, Disease & Quality Research, Bayer Crop Science, Panelist

Phasing out from lignite – what does that mean for the Czech power sector?

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 19:23:52 +0100

Europe’s top-three lignite countries are Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, Europe’s lignite triangle. Over the last dozen or so months, national discussions on the gradual phasing out of lignite have accelerated in these countries. The German Coal Commission proposed to close all hard coal- and lignite-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, and the German parliament adopted this plan. A Coal Commission was also set up in the Czech Republic. By the end of the year, it will determine when the Czech Republic will exit coal. In Poland, no official talks are yet underway, but many discussions are taking place in view of the country's dwindling lignite reserves. But looking at national phase-out plans individually is not enough, since the interconnected EU energy systems are interdependent. On account of energy prices, flows and CO2 emissions, energy sources and the specificity of their use are important for the whole region. The move away from coal in one country may not lead to a drop in emissions if neighbouring countries continue to produce energy from coal. It is important, therefore, to coordinate energy policy between countries. An important background to this discussion is the decision by the European Council in December 2019 to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050, the key policy goal of its European Green Deal 2030 strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only reinforced the urgency of the strategy. EU Heads of States have agreed that the European Green Deal is one foundation of the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Despite the recession, the European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen will present a comprehensive plan to increase the EU's climate target to at least 50 per cent and as much as 55 per cent by 2030. This will inevitably require a faster lignite phase-out than previously planned because of all the fossil fuels lignite is the most CO2-intensive. In this light, Agora Energiewende and Forum Energii have jointly commissioned a study to Aurora Energy Research to look at the effects of the withdrawal from lignite in Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany in parallel by assessing the consequences for the power sector and answering the following questions: - How will security of supply be ensured after lignite power is shut down? - Who will be an importer and who will be an exporter of electricity in the region? How will electricity flows change? - How will CO2 emissions change? - What will be the costs of eliminating coal from the energy mix and how will it affect wholesale energy prices? On 3 September we will focus on the key results with regards to the Czech Republic digging deeper into the question, which challenges arise from phasing out lignite in the Czech power sector. The virtual event targets experts working on the Czech power sector. It will be held in English and includes a Q & A session.

MDH ARCHITECTS

Institute for Architecture - Natural Building Lab — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 22:14:28 +0100

After having successfully navigated our first ever digital talk in May with Waugh Thistleton Architects, we are looking forward to our second talk of the semester with Helge Lunder from MDH Architects in Oslo. Continuing our semester focus on urban timber construction, MDH gained significant publicity in 2016 with their Moholt Timber Towers project, an 8-storey student housing project in CLT which was recongnised with a number of prizes and short listed for the 2018 Mies Van der Rohe Award. Since then they have also completed a timber kindergarten and library as part of the same Moholt student village masterplan. We are looking forward to hearing more about MDHs projects and the way that timber construction is heading in Norway. The talk will be held via zoom.

Virtual Guided Lab Tour

Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:53:50 +0100

Our flagships established new and innovative formats to ensure the transfer of knowledge and enter into dialogue with wide a wide variety of social groups.

More than 20 innovative demonstrators and test systems in our application center illustrate the current state of logistics research for the no.1 future industry

Within the context of our virtual tour we give you an insight into the future of production and logistics, for example:

... how autonomous transport vehicles can organize themselves highly dynamically with up to 10m/s in a swarm, accept orders independently, negotiate and link up for transport orders thanks to artificial intelligence.

... how virtual reality (VR) can be used to provide new employees with the knowledge they need quickly and without disrupting ongoing operations and how such virtual reality learning environments can become part of a training, further education and planning room for logistics experts.

... how smart glasses and scanner gloves help retail workers carry out the daily stock control quicker and more economically.

... how digital assistance systems in intelligent shelves support employees in the picking process.

Innovation Ecosystem Dortmund and Silicon Economy

Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:52:08 +0100

In 2019, Dortmund’s Digital Innovation Hub took first place in the Champions Challenge of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH), making it the best hub in Europe out of 500 DIHs in the announced categories “SME Orientation” and “Service Portfolio”. “This award is a great honor for us: it rewards the tireless commitment of science, business, politics and associations to develop Dortmund as a science location into an international center of digital transformation around the leading logistics industry.” says Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML in Dortmund, one of the three drivers of the innovation ecosystem. In his webinar Michael ten Hompel, managing director, presents the current research topics at Fraunhofer IML for the future industry no. 1: Logistics! Online: Virtual tour, the tour is free of charge. You will receive an access link in your confirmation mail. During the virtual tour you are muted. If questions arise, please feel free to ask them via the chat function

Digital Twins in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:48:34 +0100

Within the next five years there will be billions of things represented by digital twins. These representatives of the physical world will lead to new possibilities for collaboration between experts of the physical world and data scientists. Digital twins are strong thought leaders who drive innovation and performance. Digital Twin technology helps companies improve the customer experience through a better understanding of customer needs, develop improvements to existing products, processes and services and can even help drive innovation in new business models. That’s why we are focusing on this topic in this year’s PhD Summer Webinar Weeks. Participation in the individual webinars is free of charge, but we ask for a binding registrationPlease write an email to scherer@gsoflog.de. Subject: Name of webinar/lecture Lecturer: Prof. Michael Henke TU Dortmund University | Fraunhofer IML

Key points of a legislative initiative for reliable and adequate renewable energy supply

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 14:43:42 +0100

Stimulating investments in sector coupling and innovation: Energy Watch Group proposes new law for reliable and adequate renewable energy systems

On the occasion of this year’s 20th anniversary of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the Berlin-based Think-and-Do Tank Energy Watch Group (EWG) presents a legislative proposal to stimulate the system integration of renewable energy. The underlying purpose of the policy proposal is to allow renewable energy sources to finally assume responsibility for the system security of the power supply – i.e. to cover the required energy demand at every hour of the year. With a so-called combined power plant tariff, the instrument intends to stimulate investments for full demand coverage by 100% renewable energy. Based on own techno-economic cost estimates and a legal examination of EU regulations, the EWG proposes a fixed-feed-in-tariff of 8 cents/kWh, supported by a sliding market premium.

While renewables keep setting records in terms of their shares of national electricity mixes – Germany has recently hit the 50% mark –, a full transformation to an entirely renewable-based energy system is not yet widely regarded to be a tangible reality. One of the main reasons is the prevailing mistrust of the ability of renewables to provide year-round supply. Many scientific studies have already shown that a complete conversion to renewables is not only critical for reasons of climate protection, but also that it is technologically feasible (in combination with storage technologies and digital control technology) at any hour of the year and at cost-effective prices. What is still missing, however, is a legal basis to enable the market penetration of reliable and adequate 100% renewable energy systems.

Legal Tech – potentials and applications of technology based legal consulting

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 19:41:13 +0100

Since there is currently a high level of dynamism with regard to the development of new business models and the establishment of legal tech companies with a focus on legal advice and legal services, the TAB has published a study on their potential and applications.

TAB's policy brief in English TAB-Fokus no. 24 PDF [2,58 MB] provides an overview of Legal Tech services and applications, assesses the potentials, risks and opportunities involved and explores further potential needs for action.

Circular Economy - Sustainable Materials Management

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:50:05 +0100

This course looks at where important materials in products we use every day come from and how these materials can be used more efficiently, longer, and in closed loops. This is the aim of the Circular Economy, but it doesn’t happen on its own. It is the result of choices and strategies by suppliers, designers, businesses, policymakers and all of us as consumers. In addition to providing many cases of managing materials for sustainability, the course also teaches skills and tools for analyzing circular business models and promotes development of your own ideas to become more involved in the transition to a Circular Economy. You will learn from expert researchers and practitioners from around Europe as they explain core elements and challenges in the transition to a circular economy over the course of 5 modules: Module 1: Materials. This module explores where materials come from, and builds a rationale for why society needs more circularity. Module 2: Circular Business Models. In this module circular business models are explored in-depth and a range of ways for business to create economic and social value are discussed. Module 3: Circular Design, Innovation and Assessment. This module presents topics like functional materials and eco-design as well as methods to assess environmental impacts. Module 4: Policies and Networks. This module explores the role of governments and networks and how policies and sharing best practices can enable the circular economy. Module 5: Circular Societies. This module examines new norms, forms of engagement, social systems, and institutions, needed by the circular economy and how we, as individuals, can help society become more circular. Effort: 5-8 hours per week

Waste Management and Critical Raw Materials

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:10:04 +0100

Learn about waste management and its key role in saving critical raw materials. Gain practical knowledge of the circular economy, recycling, refurbishment, and remanufacturing as a means of identifying new business opportunities. About this course How can we ensure the continuous supply of the increasingly scarce raw materials that are needed to make the products we use every day? In this course, we will look at the potential benefits of circular procurement and how recycling technologies and more efficient ways of collecting and recycling critical raw materials (CRMs) can make your business and production more resource resilient.

A good number of the materials found in everyday products are now referred to as "critical". This means that there is a risk of failure in their supply and that they are also critical in terms of economic importance. Many metals, for instance, are already critical or could become critical in the near future due to their limited availability and the growing demand for products worldwide. Think of the newest electronic products that contain critical metals such as gallium, which is used in integrated circuits; beryllium, used in electronic and telecommunications equipment and permanent magnets and germanium found in infra-red optics. Innovative product design and reusing, recycling and remanufacturing products can help to deal with a raw materials shortage. But this can only provide an integrated solution if we keep CRMs in the loop through smarter CRM management. The starting point is to identify CRMs in products. It is not always clear what materials are in which products. It is, therefore, necessary to keep all metals in the loop for as long as possible. Scarcity in the supply chain can not only damage businesses but also negatively impact economic development and the environment. For this reason, the course will also discuss environmental issues and electric and electronic waste regulations.

Length: 6 weeks, Effort: 4-6 hours a week by TU Delft

14. Deutsch-Afrikanisches Energieforum

World Energy Council — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:31:54 +0100

The World Energy Council traditionally supports the German-African Energy Forum as a partner. With 400 visitors and participants from over 35 African countries every year, the Energy Forum is the most important platform for European-African cooperation in the energy sector. In 2019 the focus was on the implementation and financing of the African Energy Revolution. The forum concentrates on the financing of energy projects on the African continent. In addition to new financing opportunities, e.g. in the framework of the G20 Compact with Africa, innovative approaches to financing off-grid projects and financing partnerships, the conference will also focus on digitalisation in the energy sector, renewable energies such as hydropower and hybrid systems, and the thermal recycling of waste.

The Code of Practice on disinformation

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:19:20 +0100

The role of platforms as gatekeepers of information and disinformation has become very important. During this CONNECT University session high-level speakers will discuss how successful was the implementation of the Code of Practice. The lecture will explore the issues of political ads transparency, scrutiny of ad placements, integrity of services, content ranking algorithms, access to data. Interactive talks will focus on how to ensure transparency of political activity on online platforms and how to arrange the access to platforms’ data for research purposes. Together with the representatives of online platforms, we will discuss approaches to secure the integrity of online services and the actions needed to empower platforms’ users. Moderator: Paolo Cesarini Head of Unit DG CONNECT I4 Media Convergence and Social Media Speakers: - Milan Zubicek, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Google - Ľuboš Kukliš Executive Director at Council for broadcasting and retransmission and Chair of European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services - Cornelia Kutterer, Senior Director, EU Government Affairs, AI, Privacy & Digital Policies, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft - Gianni Riotta, Dean of the Luiss School of Journalism in Rome

Achieving carbon neutrality in Southeast Europe

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 17:34:48 +0100

Countries throughout Southeast Europe (SEE) have high shares of lignite-fired electricity in the mix, generated by an ageing fleet of power plants. About 50 percent of the region’s lignite generation capacity must be modernised or replaced in the next decade. Investment choices in the next three to five years will thus determine whether SEE avoids a fossil fuel lock-in as most of the planned new coal plants in Europe are in this region.

Proponents of clean energy alternatives struggle to present convincing narratives on the coal-to-clean energy transition in national debates in the region. Power market reforms are introduced at a slow pace and regional integration and cooperation remains a serious challenge. As a result, RES deployment remains far below the economically viable potential. This conference aims to look at some of the burning questions surrounding the ongoing reforms in the energy sector in Europe, assessing the status quo and discussing options and requirements for finally moving towards a decarbonised energy future. It shall support a fact-based dialogue on the energy transition in Southeast Europe and create a space for making inclusive alliances comprised of governments, EU institutions, utilities, think-tanks, NGOs and citizens.

Queen's Lecture 2019

Technische Universität Berlin — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 12:58:37 +0100

Professorin Corinne Le Quéré: „The interactions between climate change and the carbon cycle and the future we choose“ This year will be remembered as the year the world woke up to the climate crisis – and it’s about time! Climate change is unfolding as predicted by scientists repeatedly and consistently over the past thirty years at least. We can now see the changes with our own eyes, and the impacts look a lot scarier in reality than on paper. But just how did we get here, and what comes next? This lecture will present the scientific basis for climate change through the lenses of the natural carbon cycle. It will show how emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from human activities have caused the planet to warm, and have set in motion a train of changes in the natural carbon cycle. Every year, the land and ocean natural carbon reservoirs, the so-called carbon ‘sinks’, absorb 55% on average of the CO2 emissions we release in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other activities. The carbon sinks slow down the rate of climate change, but they themselves respond to a changing climate, by leaving more CO2 in the atmosphere. The latest evidence on trends in emissions and carbon sinks of the past 60 years, reveals the limits of our understanding and the challenges we face to develop a planetary monitoring system that can keep track of the rapidly changing carbon cycle. The lecture will incorporate in the science of climate change and how it interacts with the carbon cycle, with the evolving relationship between scientists and society during the past decades. It will detail the growing momentum of global political leadership emerging to tackle climate change, the challenges that we face, and offer reflections on ways to bring about the future we choose. Corinne Le Quéré is Royal Society Research Professor of Climate Change Science at the University of East Anglia. She is a member of the UK Committee on Climate Change and in France chair of the related Le Haut Conseil pour le climat. more The Queen's Lectures are supported by the British Embassy and the British Council Germany.

The lecture will be held in English.

3rd Edge Computing Forum

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:33:22 +0100

Since the 1960's we have observed paradigm shifts in the context of distributed computing from mainframes to client-server models and back to centralized cloud approaches. The next development will include the distribution of intelligence back to the topological edge of the network. This natural evolution decreases dependency and load on the network and enhances data privacy and protection. Edge Computing is applied in several application domains and enables areas such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things, or Digital Twins. As the Edge Computing market is estimated to generate a value of up to 19 Billion EUR by 2023, at the forum the latest technological approaches and their benefits in the area of Edge Computing will be presented to discuss open issues to build an industrial Edge-based ecosystem by making infrastructures interoperable, programmable, secure and easy to use. This includes the identification of reference architectures, open standards, available implementations, reference technology stacks and evaluation within use cases. Further, best practices and experiences gained from recent testbeds will be presented. More than 100 decision makers, key experts, innovators and early adopters from companies such as Siemens, IBM, Siemens, Huawei, Vodafone, Telekom etc. were represented last year.

When Digital meets circular economy

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:49:10 +0100

The effects of climate change are estimated to intensify in the coming years as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions keep rising. If we could manage to make our economy circular then we could reduce GHG emissions by 56%. During the CONNECT University session on “When Digital meets Circular economy” Dr Janez Potočnik discussed not only the need to move to circular economy as a most efficient way to tackle climate change, but also how it is major prerequisite to also achieve many of the other environmental and social SDGs.

Agenda:

Moderator: Ilias Iakovidis, Adviser for Societal Challenges, DG CONNECT

10:00-10:10 Opening remarks by Gerard de Graaf, Director F. Digital Single Market, DG CONNECT

10:10-10:50 Presentation by Janez Potočnik, United Nations Environment Programme, Co-chair of International Resource Panel

10:50-11:25 Q/A session

11:25-11:30 Conclusions by Ilias Iakovidis, Adviser for Societal Challenges, DG CONNECT

Reinventing Prosperity

The Club of Rome — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 21:49:32 +0100

The biggest challenges facing the rich world today are persistent unemployment, widening income inequality, and accelerating climate change. Until now, most of the solutions to these problems have been politically unacceptable, in a world marked by short-termism and a desire for continuous economic growth.

In Reinventing Prosperity, Graeme Maxton and Jorgen Randers take a radically different approach and offer thirteen politically feasible proposals to improve our world. From shortening the work year and raising the retirement age to boosting welfare and redefining what we mean by work, the authors’ suggestions challenge many long-standing economic ideas and explain how it is possible to reduce unemployment, inequality, and the pace of climate change—and still have economic growth, if society wishes.

“Do you want a cogent and accessible explanation of why our paramount policy goal of GDP growth is increasing unemployment, inequality, and environmental destruction—while reducing welfare? Then read this informative book for both answers and better policies!” Herman Daly, Emeritus Professor, University of Maryland

“The problems society faces to achieve a sustainable and desirable future are well known, but solutions seem impossible. Maxton and Randers describe thirteen politically feasible proposals that can actually solve these problems.” Prof. Robert Costanza, VC’s Chair in Public Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

“This book has the power to induce policy changes that are imperative for the creation of an equitable, peaceful and sustainable future for human society.” Rajendra K. Pachauri, past-chair, International Panel of Climate Change (IPCC); executive vice chairman, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Armin Nassehi: What problem does digitalisation solve?

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:23:02 +0100

Digital technology has revolutionised the world in just a few years: our relationships, our work and even the results of elections – everything seems to follow completely different rules. For sociologist Armin Nassehi, a certain technology is only successful if it solves a fundamental problem. So if digitalisation succeeds in unfolding its potential for change, the question is: What problem does digitisation solve? Among other things, the answer will point out that modern society can be called “digital” in a peculiar way even before the advance of computer technology.

Armin Nassehi is Professor of Sociology at LMU Munich; he researches and teaches in the areas of sociology of culture, political sociology, sociology of religion as well as sociology of knowledge and science. His sociology is mainly based on Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory. Nassehi’s next book “Muster. Theorie der digitalen Gesellschaft” will be published at the end of August.

In the War of Disinformation—Trolls Versus the Defenders of Democratic Discourse

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 17:22:23 +0100

Working as a think tank on behalf of the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia, iRights.Lab regularly compiles a Research Monitor on the topic of information intermediaries. The third edition of this report is now available with the title “In the War of Disinformation—Trolls Versus the Defenders of Democratic Discourse.”

Especially in connection with the last elections to the European Parliament, various forms of disinformation, propagated over social networks, played an important role. This is one of the major focusses of the publication. Online “trolls” work specifically on the weakening of individual persons or opinions, and are met on the other side by the defenders of democratic discourse. Additionally, the question arises as to what role private companies play in the struggle to uphold basic democratic values. And how can or should policymakers intervene to regulate this sector? When dealing with the conflicted field of information intermediaries, it is phenomena such as fake news, hate speech and filter bubbles that come to the fore.

In this paper, we also discuss the meaning and definition of the term information intermediary. Increasingly, algorithms automatically influence people’s everyday media realities. In particular, the data that social media and other services collect from their users plays a key role in shaping the information people receive in personalized news feeds or search engine results.

In addition to these and related topics, this issue of the Research Monitor also deals with current research projects, for example on populism in social networks or on the difficulty of proving or disproving the existence of filter bubbles in social networks.

An upcoming event is also announced that will deal with the question of how news reaches users today and whether users come into contact with news items via social networks that otherwise would not have reached them.

You can download the entire issue of the Research Monitor here.

Stewarding Sustainability Transformations

The Club of Rome — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 21:44:19 +0100

In the context of the world’s pressing sustainability challenges, this new Report to the Club of Rome presents a novel approach to navigating collaborative change in partnerships between governments, research institutions, corporations and civil society activists.

With reference to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Planetary Boundaries it introduces the theory and practice of Collective Stewardship as a management tool that respects the integrity of human and natural systems. Drawing on the work of transdisciplinary scientific scholars and seasoned sustainability practitioners, it shows how transformative change can be built on life’s inherent tendency to generate patterns of vitality and resilience. This ground-breaking monograph shows workable pathways to stewarding patterns of aliveness in social and ecological systems at all levels of the global society. As a highly regarded author and expert in collective leadership, Petra Kuenkel inspires academics and practitioners alike to explore new routes towards co-creating responsible futures in the era of the Anthropocene, where the human footprint has begun to change the course of planetary evolution. She invites decision-makers, researchers, planners and social activists to become stewards of systems patterns, enhance their collaborative competencies and guide life-enhancing socio-ecological interaction at scale.

The conceptual architecture the author elaborates builds on transformation literacy and boils it down to a practical guidance for planning and implementing interventions across all sectors of society. It helps bring about change through a deliberate combination of enlivening narratives, empowering metrics, enabling processes, multi-level governance, guiding regulations, and life-supporting innovation.

The Big Picture of a Just and Clean European Energy Transition in 2030

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 19:08:18 +0100

The report summarises 14 months of research and discussion with a broad range of experts, stakeholders and senior decision-makers in Brussels and capitals throughout Europe on the core challenges of the clean European energy transition. It identifies 10 concrete political priorities that would decisively advance the clean European energy transition in the next years, laying the ground for delivering what is “on the books” today and highlighting where a further acceleration seems possible. Based on rigorous analysis of the best available data and key trends shaping energy systems, the report also assesses the state of the clean energy transition in power, buildings, transport and industry. It explains the costs and benefits of the clean energy transition, and builds a case for why the European Union can and should play an important role in advancing a political project that concerns us all.

To discuss the report and its findings during the event, Claude Turmes, Minister for Energy & Spatial Planning, Luxemburg, and Patrick Graichen, Executive Director of Agora Energiewende, were joined by a prestigious line-up of leading EU decision-makers: Sami Andoura (EU Commission), Aurélie Beauvais (SolarPower Europe), Eva Chamizo Llatas (Iberdrola), Giles Dickson (WindEurope), Fiona Hall (eceee), Susanne Nies (ENTSO-E), William Todts (Transport&Environment), Robert van der Meer (HeidelbergCement), Paul Voss (Euroheat&Power), and James Watson (Eurogas).

European Geothermal PhD Day 2019

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:25:17 +0100

The European Geothermal PhD Day (EGPD) is intended to connect PhD researchers from all over Europe working in the field of geothermal energy and will celebrate its 10th anniversary at its original host institution, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), Potsdam. Every year, between 50-80 young scientists from various research fields such as geology, geochemistry, rock mechanics, geophysics and mechanical engineering come together to share knowledge and experience on this promising energy resource. Over the last decade, this venue was held in many different countries including Iceland, the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Switzerland and Germany. Participants at any stage of their PhD studies, who are interested in presenting their work, getting feedback from fellow PhD students or who would like to explore future directions in their research and careers are welcome to join the 10th EGPD.

Successful R&I in Europe 2019

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:23:18 +0100

For the tenth time, the conference invites researchers and entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalia and regions in Europe and beyond to find new research and innovation (R&I) partners for Horizon 2020 projects. The series of events has been a great success with over 2,600 participants since 2009. In 2019, special partner regions are: Belgium, Finland, France, Israel, the Netherlands and Poland. The event addresses especially universities and research institutes and small as well as medium-sized enterprises.

Horizon 2020 ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFO DAY

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:22:39 +0100

The event will take place on Tuesday 22 January 2019 at Charlemagne building, in Brussels. Energy efficiency topics of the 2019 call of Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 3 – Clean, Secure and Efficient Energy – will be presented in a series of workshops organised by EASME throughout the day. The aim of the Horizon 2020 Energy Efficiency Info Day is to present funding opportunities under the 2019 call, to attract new applicants and potential beneficiaries, and to foster networking between participants.

Centralization - The curse of data-centric digital systems?

Institut für Informatik — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:11:55 +0100

In this talk we look at the successful software architectures that have been developed in the past decades for data-centric digital systems within organizations, collaboration between organizations, and as data-centric platforms for service ecosystems in commerce, finance, mobility, energy and health. They all exhibit a strong tendency towards a hierarchical and centralized structure. We identify the driving forces, benefits and beneficiaries of such architectures but also point out their intrinsic disadvantages and threats not only from a technical but more importantly also from a legal, political and ethical perspective. As a consequence, we call for interdisciplinary (social, legal, economic, technical) design research to foster more decentralized, cooperative, federated, peer-to-peer, or user-centered digital data-management architectures. Since 2002 Florian Matthes holds the chair for Software Engineering for Business Information Systems at Technische Universität München. The current focus of his research is on technologies driving the digital transformation of enterprises and societies: Enterprise architecture management, service platforms and their ecosystems, semantic analysis of legal texts and executable contracts on blockchains.

HORIZON2020 Space International Information Day & Brokerage Event

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:20:36 +0100

On 14th and 15th of November 2018 the German National Contact Point Space, H2020 Space NCP Network - COSMOS2020 with the support of the European Commission are organizing Horizon 2020 International Space Information Day and Brokerage Event in Berlin. The aim of the event is to inform on Space opportunities in Horizon 2020 and beyond and to provide first-hand information on the next H2020 Space Calls. The participants will have the chance to listen and talk to the authors of the work programme 2019 / 2020 and learn from their hints and tips on H2020 proposal writing. Since the next EU Framework Programme is already under development some early information will be provided.

Why participate? - to learn about Space opportunities in H2020 and beyond - to get to know the new Horizon 2020 Space Work Programme - to get an idea of the next EU Framework Programme (Horizon Europe) - to meet potential partners for the open space Call

Target groups - Companies - Universities - Research Institutes - other organisations

Topics - Earth Observation - Space technologies - EGNSS - Secure and safe space environment - Space business Join this opportunity to learn about the H2020 Space Call 2019, meet inspired and motivated people and develop ideas for future projects!

Queens Lecture 2018

Technische Universität Berlin — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:58:06 +0100

Professor Susan Jebb "Diet, obesity and health: from science to policy" Poor diet is one of the leading global causes of avoidable ill-health. Obesity, driven by overconsumption, is a key issue, and in most high and middle income countries we also eat too much saturated fat, sugar and salt and too little fibre, which increase health risks independent of weight. Despite the widespread acceptance of the mantra “prevention is better than cure”, prevention remains the cinderella of medicine with chronic under-investment in preventative health research. Nutrition research is a crucial component. If we are to make the case to reprioritise healthcare spending and encourage people to change personal eating habits, we need to have confidence that dietary interventions to prevent disease will be effective. But nutrition has become one of the most contentious issues in science and consumers increasingly turn to their peers and not scientists. The challenge for science is to generate robust evidence of the relationship between diet and health and effective actions to change behaviour. We must also communicate the evidence to policymakers, industry and the public. They need instruments to create a virtuous circle where consumers demand healthier food and industry competes to respond, offering and promoting food and drinks in a way which further drives healthier choices. The challenge for government is to put in place the conditions which make this more likely for science, for industry and citizens. This presentation will consider the strength of evidence relating diet to health outcomes particularly for saturated fat and sugar, drawing on data from prospective cohorts and dietary intervention studies. Susan Jebb is Professor of Diet and Population Health at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford. The Queen's Lectures are supported by the British Embassy and the British Council Germany. The lecture will be held in English.

Single market

Post Growth 2018 Conference — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:02:04 +0100

Chair : Elly Schlein, MEP (S&D)

Panellists:

Jean-Christophe Defraigne, Saint-Louis University
Joaquim Nunes de Almeida, European Commission, DG GROW, Director, Single Market Policy
Gabriele Bischoff, DGB, Special adviser on European policy issues, German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) ; European Economic and Social Committee, President of the Workers’ Group
Daniel Seikel, Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI) of the Hans Böckler Foundation

Please stand back! User acceptance in automated vehicles

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 21:08:39 +0100

As part of the iKoPA project, Fraunhofer FOKUS is developing an interactive simulator for the virtual testing of automated driving and for the analysis of user acceptance. To this end, various driving scenarios were created in which students of the TU Berlin had to monitor the system behavior and intervene in difficult situations. The student with the best test drive result was awarded a prize.

In order for research and development of fully automated vehicles to continue in Germany, the acceptance of potential users of automated vehicles is crucial. As part of the iKoPA research initiative, a simulator for the virtual testing of automated driving is being developed with which users can experience various driving scenarios in a realistic car cockpit. As in a real automated vehicle, the steering wheel turns on its own in the simulator, while the user sees a virtual journey through a 3D world, projected onto a large screen. Various driving scenarios can be simulated, such as an undisturbed drive without other road users under ideal conditions. However, it is also possible to simulate complex traffic situations in which user intervention is necessary to prevent a collision with sudden obstacles. In addition, system errors such as unexpected rapid increases in speed, close driving due to sensor inaccuracies or hacker attacks can also be simulated.

Queen's Lecture 2017

Technische Universität Berlin — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 12:49:34 +0100

Prof. Zoubin Ghahramani: „Artificial intelligence and machine learning: from understanding computation in the brain to building self-driving cars“ What is intelligence? What is learning? Can we build computers and robots that learn? How much information does the brain store? How does mathematics help us answer these questions? In this year’s Queen’s Lecture, Professor Zoubin Ghahramani will take you on a journey through the world of machine learning - the invisible algorithms that underlie many of the tools we use every day. These learning algorithms are used to build systems that recognize human speech, translate between languages, recognize faces and detect emotions, customize advertising, recommend products, make financial trading decisions, detect credit-card fraud and email spam, and optimize logistics and transport. Increasingly these learning algorithms will also help analyze clinical data, make personalized treatment decisions, analyze scientific data and suggest experiments, optimize food production and energy consumption, create new works of music and art, make sense of legal texts, and power self-driving cars, autonomous urban aviation and robots. It is hard to imagine any area of human life that will not be affected by advances in machine learning. Zoubin Ghahramani FRS, is professor of information engineering at the University of Cambridge and chief scientist at Uber. He is also deputy director of the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence and a fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge. The Queen's Lectures are supported by the British Embassy and the British Council Germany. The lecture will be held in English.