-> 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.

-> Mobile devices are increasingly being used to measure and monitor health and body functions. This is fuelled by a trend towards self- optimisation and increased efficiency.
-> Such tracking devices can contribute to greater autonomy and allow more independence outside of traditional institutions.
-> At the same time, they can also lead to continuous surveillance and heteronomy. Consequently, health apps should be used with caution.
-> Government and politicians should ensure appropriate legal frameworks and support fundamental rights-friendly technology.

-> Worldwide, large online retailers, postal operators and numerous start-ups are developing and testing drone-operated parcel deliveries.
-> Despite technology not having been fully developed, feasibility has been demonstrated. However, in most countries, the law does not yet allow autonomous drones; specific air traffic rules would have to be developed.
-> Omnipresent drone flights would have a series of environmental, safety, ethical, and societal implications that stipulate a need for public debate before implementation and regulation.

-> Today, social and economic processes are highly dependent on different technologies and their interaction.
-> Critical infrastructures are therefore the "main artery" of the digitally networked society and their functionality is essential for the provision of services of general interest.
-> System failures due to external risk factors, errors inherent to the system or unknown weak points can seriously impair the stability of societal processes.
-> The creation of effective security measures requires above all a greater awareness of the previously underestimated problem of system dependencies.

-> Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) calls for continuous societal engagement.
-> Up until now, citizens and third sector actors are not routinely involved in the governance of research and innovation.
-> Citizens and third sector actors face specific barriers to engagement in research and innovation. 

-> Policies and practices in support of societal engagement should address questions of relevance, impact, trust, knowledge and skills, time and financial resources, and legitimacy.

-> Digital tools make it possible for citizens to participate more easily in policy- and decision-making processes.
-> Numerous local, national and European experiences with the use of digital tools can help improve decision-making processes.
-> One of the most important factors for successful e-participation is a close and clear link to a concrete formal political process.
-> The numerous international experiences with e-participation processes are also highly relevant for Austria.

-> Blockchain is a decentrally organised database that archives and manages an evergrowing list of transactions.
-> All information on transactions is permanently stored in a database that parallely exists at all nodes of a peer-to-peer network.
-> Blockchain provides autonomy for individuals away from ‘middlemen’ such as public authorities and banks.
-> However, this decentralisation rapidly reduces current forms of regulatory control.
-> Possible negative social and economic consequences become less predictable and manageable.

-> Online gaming is popular; the sector is growing continuously.
-> Almost every modern video game can be played online – on a PC, console or a mobile device.
-> The way gamers behave is a source of lots of information.
-> Up until now, the topic of data protection has been neglected.
-> Governance by game producers and regulation by governments is required, as is greater awareness on the side of the consumer.

-> E-cigarettes evaporate a nicotine-containing liquid and are therefore deemed less harmful to health than traditional cigarettes. They can also help with smoking cessation.
-> Opponents emphasize the risk of easier entry as well as the simple increase of the nicotine dose. In addition, increased risk of vascular disease, myocardial infarction or stroke is still associated with vaping.
-> Advocates and opponents hold never-ending debates on health implications, psychological and economic effects. Both sides refer to scientific results. Genuine long-term studies are still missing.