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.

The energy transition

Using natural resources sustainably

Professor of Industrial Ecology René Kleijn talks about scarce raw materials, resilient supply chains, and the reliability of markets.

The energy transition

Why wind power and photovoltaics are essential

It’s challenging: Professor Volker Quaschning talks about the switch to renewable energies.

Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein

Nutrition

How to succeed at sustainable agriculture

Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein explains the steps to make organic farming possible.

Vaccination

Expensive health?

Nathalie Moll and Dr. Carlos María Correa debate the question of which factors should determine the prices charged for innovative drugs.

Concrete

The future of construction

How do we build more sustainably in the future? A discussion between a concrete researcher and an architect.

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.

Christian Kullmann

Coal exit

Christian Kullmann on the energy transition

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

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.

Europe

The state of Germany's economy

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

The(is) Future

Short trips into the future

Foresight-Manager Björn Theis about disruptive technologies, visionaries, and places where the future is being “made”.

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.

Christian Kullmann, Evonik-CEO

Climate protection

Innovations instead of restrictions

Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann is counting on the power of innovation to tackle the challenge of climate change.

Prof. Dr. Christian Sina

Healthy nutrition

Custom-made meals

Everyone’s different: In an interview, Professor Christian Sina calls for personalized nutrition.

Digitalization

Digitalization harbors many opportunities

Jens Monsees, head of digital strategy at BMW, on the opportunities of digitalization for the german industry.

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.

Europe

Christian Kullmann on tax cuts

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

Video

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.

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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