ITA Dossiers

-> Electromagnetic fields have already been considered a potential health risk with previous generations of mobile radio communication. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified mobile phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic”. To this day, experts continue to discuss this topic with much controversy. -> 5G, the latest generation of mobile phone networks, promises to transmit larger amounts of data with lower latency. Industry 4.0, augmented reality games or the Internet of things rely on such higher performance. -> The assessment of risks and gaps of knowledge enables precautionary regulation and a prudent approach to 5G

-> Digitisation also changes politics and the state. State sovereignty is massively challenged, especially with regard to administrative action, digital infrastructure, and democratic processes.
-> Digital sovereignty refers to the exclusive self-determination of legal entities such as states and natural persons under the conditions of digitisation.
-> In order to (re)establish digital sovereignty, it is necessary to act consistently on various levels (national and international), both in technical, organisational and regulatory terms, and not least in public discourse.

-> Devices with digital assistants and voice control, such as “smart speakers”, are becoming more widespread in households where they are potentially eavesdropping on buyers in their most private spaces.
-> The devices collect personal data and send it to the manufacturers. Non-transparent data analysis exacerbates the imbalance between suppliers and consumers.
-> In future, digital assistance systems could manage the access to the (online) world.
-> The assessment of this business model raises not only data protection issues, but also sociopolitical questions.

-> The decarbonisation of the energy system calls for new ways of generating and consuming energy as well as new forms of relations between energy producers and consumers.
-> It is important to understand the complexity of factors influencing the effectiveness and success of smart grid initiatives targeted at small consumers across Europe.
-> It is equally important to assess the impact local solutions have on the whole energy system before applying them widely at regional or national level.
Author: Michael Ornetzeder

-> Traffic congestion costs the EU over €80 billion annually.
-> All major European cities face the challenge of reducing congestion, pollution and accidents in the years to come.
-> Currently, there is no single consistent mobility pricing scheme in Austria. Various approaches for different transport modes co-exist.
-> Mobility behaviour can be governed sustainably by optimising pricing patterns for all modes of transport and directing them towards common goals.
Authors: Tanja Sinozic, Stefanie Peer, Mahshid Sotoudeh, Niklas Gudowsky

-> Certain nanomaterials in food packaging promise longer shelf life and freshness.
-> Such materials, products, and related processes pose potential risks to the environment and health.
-> “Safe by Design” (SbD) addresses safety issues during early stages of development.
-> In future, SbD concepts must offer clear added value for users, and additionally specific research for testing and detection methods must be promoted.

-> 3D printing is already being used for making artificial limbs, dental implants and other medical items specifically adapted to individual patients.
-> Replacement organs cannot be produced yet and remain an option for the future.
-> Access and intellectual property rights, data handling and protection, and incorporating additive manufacturing into medical practice represent crucial challenges.

-> So-called “social bots” can create and send automated messages, thus potentially influencing political and other decisions.
-> Based on the data collected, messages can be tailored to personal preferences and address small groups or individuals.
-> Laws are required to describe when and to what extent social media operators need to restrict activities of social bots.

-> The shift towards greater use of renewable energy necessitates more dedicated storage in electrical power systems to provide short-term flexibility.
-> Electricity storage facilitates the decoupling of electricity supply and demand, and can be used to provide a wide range of ancillary services.
-> The future deployment of dedicated electricity storage in Austria and the EU will be strongly influenced by future policies for electricity market design, system operating rules, technology investments, and involvement of consumers and prosumers.

-> People with disabilities are facing numerous challenges and barriers in their everyday lives.
-> Several socio-political initiatives have been launched so far in order to actively foster the inclusion of disabled people (in areas such as education, employment and social participation).
-> Technologies can play an important role, but full inclusion may only be achieved if additional measures are also implemented.