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STEM wants to contribute to the realisation of the ideal of sustainable development. In order to realise this ideal, many routes are possible and necessary. STEM focuses on the route of (new) technological applications. It investigates how processes of scientific and technological innovation can be influenced so that they contribute positively to sustainable development, both in its social, economic and ecological dimension. It considers processes of innovation as complex learning processes. It questions the types of substantial and procedural knowledge that various actors - citizens, public authorities, enterprises - can bring into these learning processes.
STEM has two focal research lines. The 'Energy and Environment' unit limits research to energy-related problems of sustainable development and it pays special attention to energy and environmental economic modelling. The 'Technology Assessment' unit studies possibilities, risks and underlying choices of technological applications, different visions on these issues in society, and the added value of debate regarding these visions for structuring open policy processes in a perspective of sustainable development.
STEM explores this route and diffuses its research results through scientific research, advisory studies, education, the creation of a documentation centre, presentations, seminars, etc. To meet the above goals the organisation established a group of scientists of various disciplines. The members excel by their know-how and independence in mind and action.
Two clusters:
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