Opinion & Debate

“Doubt is the father of invention” is a saying that has been attributed to Galileo Galilei. Constructive doubt and critical questioning are the activities that make innovations possible. And both of them require open exchange of ideas. Here you can find controvertial debates and incisive commentaries.

Fabiana Scapolo

Europe

EU: The key is to be close to the people

Fabiana Scapolo, the Deputy Head of the EU Policy Lab, explains the central challenges facing Europe.

Tax Incentives

It's high time for a change

Research-based companies receive tax incentives all over the world — but not in Germany. A competitive disadvantage.

Nutrition

How to succeed at sustainable agriculture

Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein advocates organic farming and explains the steps that must be taken to make it possible.

Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann

Europe

The EU must become bolder to stay strong

EU election 2019: Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann considers the consequences and opportunities.

Innovation culture

Investment in long-term innovations

Creavis Managing Director Prof. Stefan Buchholz about new ideas and the role of distance or closeness to the parent company.

Küsthardt Kolumne

Column

More entrepreneurial spirit!

Chief Innovation Officer Ulrich Küsthardt calls for a stronger startup culture in companies.

Europe

The state of Germany's economy

Praise and criticism: A US and a French economist talk about Germany as an industrial location.

Interview with ESA Director General

How we benefit from space travel

Jan Wörner on the race for space, eco-friendly fuels—and the inspirational power of space travel.

Christian Kullmann

Coal exit

Christian Kullmann on the energy transition

Evonik Industries CEO Christian Kullmann takes a stand regarding a major political project.

The(is) Future

Digital commuters

Virtual reality is being introduced into the world of work. Foresight Manager Björn Theis uses eXp Realty to explain what will change as a result.

Climate Change

More efficiency for climate protection

Despite many setbacks, an increase in energy efficiency is still the most viable way to limit the effects of global warming.

Renewable sources of energy

How to Connect Sectors

In the future, heating, mobility, and electricity must be linked more closely together—with chemistry playing a key role.

Innovation culture

The basis for Singapore's success

Dr. Küsthardt, Evonik’s Chief Innovation Officer, analyzes Singapore’s success and the resulting opportunities for Germany.

The(is) Future

Short trips into the future

Foresight manager Björn Theis writes in his column about disruptive technologies, visionaries, and places where the future is being “made”.

Digitalization

Digitalization harbors many opportunities

His carrer has been a mix of mobility and digitalization: Jens Monsees, the former Google executive who now heads digital strategy at BMW.

Chemical industry

Start-ups and Spin-offs

The chemical researcher Prof. Wendelin Stark talks about disruption and startups.

Europe

Christian Kullmann on tax cuts

Christian Kullmann, CEO of Evonik Industries, urges European countries to harmonize corporate taxes.

Elements Edition 03 2019

Knowledge Storage

All issues of Elements in the archive

You will find an overview of the previous issues of Elements here.

ELEMENTS-Newsletter

Subscribe now for free

Get fascinating insights into the research Evonik is conducting, and its social relevance.