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

Future of Europe

Modern Talking

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

Opinion

It's high time for a change

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

Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann

Opinion

The EU must become bolder to stay strong

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

Interview

„Research requires Freedom“

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.

Debate

Germany is living on its Capital

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

Interview

“Forward to the Moon”

ESA Director General Jan Wörner talks about the race for space, environmentally friendly fuels—and the inspirational power of space travel.

Christian Kullmann

Opinion

Phasing out Coal without Ideology

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.

Essay

A Plea for Increased Efficiency

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

Essay

How to Connect Sectors

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

Opinion

Success through Clear Planning

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”.

Interview

“Google Can’t Work Miracles”

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

Essay

Start-ups and Spin-offs

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

Opinion

A commentary on the USA's tax policy

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

Evonik Elements Edition 02 2019

Knowledge Storage

All issues of Elements in the archive

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

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