Public technology and innovation planning Glossary

Different perspectives on current and future needs are essential for TIP in order to realise the innovation potential of processes. The participatory involvement and representation of diverse perspectives is a key guideline for future projects. We strive for active networking in as many areas of society as possible in order to transfer scientific research beyond the boundaries of research institutions.

Co-creative methods and sharing of perspectives

We use a range of participatory and co-creative methods to encourage an exchange of perspectives in which resources, needs and visions for the future are jointly analyzed and reflected upon. Special emphasis is placed on the early involvement of citizens who have not yet had direct contact with the scientific community. We particularly encourage NGOs, self-advocacy organizations, associations, initiatives and private individuals to contact us with project ideas or specific calls for proposals.

Citizen Science Strategy 2030 

In line with the 'Citizen Science Strategy 2030 for Germany', we see the active involvement of citizens as an important step towards a modern, application-oriented science sector. Strategic technology and innovation planning takes into account interactions with potential stakeholders and users in order to transfer technical innovations into practice.

Objectives and added value 

The aim of these research approaches is to use collaborative processes to produce consensual outcomes in the form of strategies, action plans and roadmaps that offer real added value for the future of all stakeholders. These outcomes should reflect different perspectives and angles on the challenges and thus support political and societal decision-making processes.

Science-policy interfaces are crucial for successfully translating scientific findings and technological innovations into political measures. These interfaces are central to the translation of research into political action and to the practical application of innovations through targeted political framework conditions and procurement processes in the public sector.

Analytical methods for the promotion of science-policy interfaces

To better understand and promote this complex process, we use advanced analytical methods. Our approach is based on the quantitative analysis of bibliometric data. We use publicly available data sources such as Dimensions and our proprietary tool KATI.

KATI: Our tool for analyzing knowledge and technology

KATI helps us to identify specific research trends and patterns that are particularly relevant for political decision-makers. It also enables us to learn from past innovation processes and to steer current innovation processes in a targeted manner.

By combining these tools, we can detail and understand the interactions between science and policy. Our work promotes policy-making based on sound science, which is particularly important in critical areas such as environmental protection, healthcare and technological development.

Our commitment to future-oriented policy-making

Our commitment aims not only to establish but also to consolidate the link between scientific research and political practice. This leads to informed, efficient and future-oriented policy-making that takes equal account of scientific progress and social needs.

Resilience refers to the ability of socio-technical systems to absorb shocks and disruptive events, maintain core functionalities and restore them quickly. In addition, resilience makes it possible to learn from experience and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The concept of resilience in a political and academic context

In recent years, the term resilience has become a buzzword in the political and academic context without a uniform definition or a generally applicable concept having been established.

To make the concept of resilience more tangible in the respective context, it can be helpful to address the following questions:

• Does being resilient mean returning to the starting position after a disruptive event or adapting to new conditions?
• Who or what should be resilient?
• Does resilience refer to known or unknown dangers?
• How does resilience relate to related concepts such as vulnerability or risk management?¹

Our commitment to resilience

Through our work, we promote the understanding of resilience and support the development of measures and strategies for increased resilience in various contexts, both in the face of existing and future challenges. For example, we are currently working on the resilience of public authorities in the “RESKON” project.

In the business unit TIP, we deal with the question of how risks to organizations or society as a whole can be efficiently managed and, where possible, reduced on several levels. We research methods and solutions for all three levels of risk management in accordance with ISO 31000: organizational principles that enable and facilitate risk management, frameworks that show clear ways in which risks can be handled and processes for identifying, analysing and mitigating risks.

Disaster risk management

A particular focus of our work is disaster risk management. For natural and man-made disasters, we primarily develop approaches for coordinating the resources and activities of various stakeholders to reduce disaster risks in a targeted manner and mitigate the effects of risks. The business unit TIP brings together the various stakeholders to develop such approaches and moderates the process of designing disaster risk management approaches. 

Projects to improve risk management

The EU project “RiskPACC” investigated how the risk perceptions of the population and civil protection authorities differ and how both groups can jointly develop solutions to improve risk management and the communication of risks. The national project “RESKON” collects methods for risk management by German authorities and develops a continuous improvement process. The project “Firelogue” is developing exchange formats for the participation of all relevant stakeholders, with a particular focus on equity aspects in forest fire risk management.

Ethics combines responsibility and innovation: how can progress and moral integrity go hand in hand to ensure a just future? Ethics deals with the question of what is socially “right” and “wrong”, what is “good” and “bad” – it provides orientation for responsible action in complex decision-making situations. 

The role of ethics in research and innovation management

Ethics are indispensable in the context of research and innovation management. It provides the necessary framework to ensure that scientific and technological developments are not only innovative, but also responsible – in line with social values, sustainability and the protection of individual rights.

Ethical questions in crisis situations

Ethical questions play a central role, particularly in disaster control and civil-military cooperation. How can technologies be developed that save lives without reinforcing existing power relations or social inequalities? How can we ensure that security innovations do not lead to a restriction of individual freedom? TIP poses these questions as part of the analysis of the operational context of future solutions.

Dynamics of ethics as a field of innovation

Furthermore, ethics itself is a dynamic field of innovation. From the perspective of research ethics, organizations are faced with the task of integrating values such as transparency, fairness and responsibility into development processes. This applies not only to the technical implementation, but also to the social acceptance of innovations.

Ethics as a driver for innovation

The combination of ethics and innovation requires a conscious examination of central questions: What risks are acceptable to enable progress? How can a balance be found between what is technically possible and what is morally right?

Ethics provides the impetus to understand innovation not just as technical progress, but as a way to solve social, political and economic challenges sustainably and fairly. TIP makes an important contribution here, particularly with regard to the envisaged operationalization of innovations.

Risk communication protects against misinformation and creates trust - before, during and after a crisis. It deals with how complex and potentially threatening information can be communicated in an understandable, transparent and targeted manner.

The importance of effective risk communication

Especially in crisis situations, when uncertainty and the need for information are high, effective communication is crucial in order to build trust and provide guidance. Public actors such as ministries or authorities are faced with the challenge of providing factual information, addressing fears and avoiding misunderstandings.

Openness and transparency in times of crisis

Good risk communication is an important part of preventing manipulation through misinformation. Openness and transparency must be established before acute crises occur in order to build a trusting relationship with the public¹.

Communication in health crises and disasters

One possible focus is on communication in long-lasting health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in disaster situations, such as natural disasters or large-scale emergencies. These examples show how important it is not only to identify risks, but also to clearly outline options for action. Lack of or unclear communication can increase uncertainty, while well-planned, empathetic communication protects people and strengthens social resilience.

Research on risk communication

Research on risk communication provides insights into successful strategies and approaches for promoting trust, countering misinformation and managing crises better. It shows how public actors can remain capable of action and strengthen trust in their institutions with clarity, transparency and empathy. The EU-project PANDEM-2 analyzed effective risk communication strategies together with experts and public health agencies to develop recommendations and to provided practical, adaptable communication materials for users in public health and civil protection.

[1] Vollmer, M., Overmeyer M., Kaluza BF., (2025). Enhancing two-way communication in disaster management in the EU - practical insights. Frontiers in Communication (10). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2025.1557423