Across the world we see an increasing focus on the necessity of a more sustainable development – a result of elements, which are not considered sustainable, inherent in the previous development … technologically, socially and consumer wise.
The basis of the centre’s research
A resource consumption and resource dependency leaving several resources close to the limit of what is possible, an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases and a growing consumption of a wide range of chemicals with unpredictable effects on humans and the environment are significant examples of elements in the way we order our lives that are not sustainable in the long run.
The previous technological developments include, however, some highly positive aspects of human health, prosperity, education and other aspects of quality of life. It is run by fundamental and powerful forces that are a result of the human curiosity and innovative capacity and of competition and market mechanisms in a world where people and companies must constantly renew themselves in order to survive. It is, so to speak, our ability to come up with increasingly better and more efficient solutions, the strong survivability of humans, that may pose a problem in the long run.
Thus, to depart from one course and look for another in relation to previous mechanisms behind development, competition and survival is not so straightforward. The new technology and new solutions must not only be environmentally sustainable, they must also be able to replace the less sustainable solutions in the world we are living in.
Aim Consequently, the aim of the centre to contribute to continued sustainable growth requires competence and depth in many knowledge areas but also width and an ability to cooperate interdisciplinary. The University of Southern Denmark possesses just this depth and width and cooperation across the university’s faculties is the primary element of the centre’s strategy.
Moreover, the aim is to build
basic competence areas as well as
specific focus areas.