Research

Background

It is becoming increasingly clear that the traditional paths of industrialization and growth are threatening the global environment and the resource base of future generations.

Science and technology development have an increasingly important role to play in identifying sustainable solutions and in generating innovations that lead to higher levels of energy and resource efficiency and reduce emission of greenhouse gases.

The German research and innovation system has taken up this challenge. Since 2005, the Framework Programme "Research for Sustainability" is being implemented and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The "Internationalization Strategy" and the "High-Tech Strategy" of the German Federal Government give international cooperation in science and technology a significant role in securing a sustainable future.

The "Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development" and the "Heiligendamm Process" call for a global research agenda to address global challenges by joining resources. Germany, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are taking the lead.

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