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The VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure, or the Association of German Engineers) Technology Center (VDITZ) in Dusseldorf, Germany, is active in emerging technological fields. VDITZ combines technological competence with expertise in the interactions of innovations with economic, social and ecological dimensions, and is therefore a renowned partner of decision makers in the academic world, politics, industry, and society.

VDITZ supports implementing new key technologies through technology forecasting, monitoring and assessment, management of federal and state governmental research and technology project funding, enhancement of technology transfer from research to industry, neutral and problem-solving consulting, supporting technology management, as well as assisting new technology-oriented companies. VDITZ receives support from the German federal government, the Länder (German federal states), the European Union, and industry. The three main tasks of VDITZ are research funding, dealing with research questions, technology, and innovation, and consulting on emerging technologies.

VDITZ mainly functions as a project executing organization for the German federal ministry of education and research. VDITZ is active in drafting new research funding programs, consults with scientists, politicians and the industry, and tests and evaluates research and development projects. VDITZ also aims to accelerate innovations as its contribution to the dissemination and evaluation of research results. Further contracting authorities are the Landesstiftung Baden-Württemberg, the Berlin senate, and the European Commission. Technologies of interest to the organization are optical technologies, nanotechnology, electronics, and security research. VDITZ also serves as national contact point for project applicants.

VDITZ offers consulting and assistance in basic questions in research, technology and innovation concerning clusters and networks, international cooperation in education, research and innovation, as well as supplying research studies and expert opinions.

Emerging Technologies Consulting

VDITZ consults and supports decision makers regarding technological and societal issues for the future related to emerging technologies. It has more than 25 years of experience in technology forecasting and strategy development and a broad customer base in industry, politics, science, and the financial world. It is focused on information, consulting services, and technological and social issues. One of the core components of VDITZ comprises management of clusters and networks, as they provide the ideal environment for successful implementation of technological innovations. Furthermore, VDITZ offers target-oriented communication in order to provide key information. Additionally, studies and expert reports are offered to highlight possible options for actions.

In nanotechnology, the development speed has been so rapid that parallel basic research is carried out while nanoscale-related products are entering the world market. If one manages to control these products on the atomic and molecular scale, requirements are evolving to optimize the properties of products in the field of energy management (e.g., fuel cells, batteries, and solar cells), environmental technology (e.g., disposal, cleaning, and material flow), and information technology (e.g., media with high-density storage capabilities and high-end processors).

VDITZ promotes emerging technologies, such as microsystem technologies, multimedia, laser technology, plasma technologies, surface technologies, superconductors, and nanotechnology.

  • engineering
Ille C.Gebeshuber Vienna University of Technology MathiasGetzlaff University of Dusseldorf

Further Readings

Sipper, Moshe.Machine Nature: The Coming Age of Bio-Inspired Computing. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
Technology Center of

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