Europe After Lisbon

Europe After Lisbon
Intertwining Sustainability
And Competitiveness
E d i t o rs : A l ek s a n d er Z i d a n š ek , T h o m a s S c h a u er
Slovenian Association
Croatian Association
Austrian Chapter
European Support Centre
of the Club of Rome
in Cooperation
with the Slovenian EU-Presidency
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Impressum:
Europe After Lisbon: Intertwining Sustainability and Competitiveness
Editors: Aleksander Zidanšek, Thomas Schauer
Proceedings of a symposium in Ljubljana in April 2008 at the Slovenian Academy of Sciences
organized by the Slovenian, Croatian and Austrian Chapter of the Club of Rome,
the South-East Europan Division of the World Academy of Arts and Science,
Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School
and the European Support Centre of the Club of Rome
in co-operation with the Slovenian EU Presidency 2008
Layout and Production:

European Support Centre of the Club of Rome
Tuclauben 8/15, 1010 Vienna
http://www.clubofrome.at
Cover Picture by eattbitter from www.flickr.com, modified
published under the Creative Commons License
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Europe After Lisbon
Intertwining Sustainability and Competitiveness
Editors:
Aleksander Zidanšek, Thomas Schauer
Slovenian Association
European Support Centre
Ljubljana / Vienna 2008
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CONTENTS
Preface 5
Opening of the Conference 6
The Lisbon Strategy and Sustainable Consumption and Production 7
Transforming Europe to a Competitive Low Carbon Society - Why Not ? 10
Microbiologically Produced Hydrogen as Energy Source 18
Drinking Water Conditioning with Ecoremediation (ERM) 21
Qualitative Transformation into a Knowledge-Based Economy and Society 23
Impact of Eco-Industry Development in the Czech Republic 28
Dynamic Modeling of Greenhouse Gas Reduction in Kosovo 32
Practical Problems Met with the Endeavors for Sustainable Development 33
Global Competitiveness - a European Perspective 35
Social Capital – the Bridge Between Competition and Cooperation 38
Innovation Culture and Social Capital – Some Theses for Discussion 40
A World Demographic and Social Revolution, Lenghtening of the Life Cycle 42
Environmental Education for Competitiveness and Sustainability 45
Education for Competitiveness and/or Competitive Education 49
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Preface
Competitiveness has been a key concept of the Lisbon strategy. Efforts to strengthen
European competitiveness influence many political decsisions, those related to the
economy as well as those related to the education system. The conference "Europe
after Lisbon", which was organized in 2008 in cooperation with the Slovenian EU
Presidency, discussed the long-term aspects of competition and competitiveness. How
can competition support achieving sustainable development on the European and the
global scale?
The conference included 4 working sessions organized according to the Open Space
method:
Knowledge for Sustainability: Competitiveness and Eco-Innovation: Europe is com-

petitive in some technologies that support sustainable development. In the renewed
Lisbon Strategy the role of eco-innovation for European competitiveness has been
acknowledged. The partcipants of the event presented information about ecotech-
nologies.
Workshop Chairs: Robert Blinc& Ana Vovk-Korže
Competitiveness and Social Capital: Social capital is formed by the links between
individuals and institutions. Competition and co-operation concepts, which are not
easy to combine. Can societies be competitive related to the outside World and at the
same time avoid internally the race of everybody against anybody which results in
loss of quality of life?
Workshop Chairs: Ernst Gehmacher & Marianne Kager
The Age of Innovation and the Age of Innovators:

Ageing Europe is seen as one of the key problems in Europe. Ageing population
might result in a decrease of creativity, innovation and therefore also competitiveness.
But this scenario might be wrong.
Workshop Chairs: Orio Giarini & Jasminka Lažnjak
Education for Competitiveness or / and Competitive Education: Education should be

more than training for the short term needs of industry - but can we still afford to
provide the younger generation with knowledge about philosophy and arts, which
they cannot apply straightforward in their professional life?
Workshop Chairs: Ivo Šlaus & Agni Vlavianos Arvanitis
This publication includes the participants' articles, they represent the views of the
individual contributors. The proceedings are also presented for downlaod on the event
website http://www.clubofrome.at/events/2008/ljubljana/
Aleksander Zidanšek, Thomas Schauer
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Opening of the Conference
Franci Demšar
Director, Slovenian Research Agency, Ljubljana
The conference "Europe after Lisbon" is devoted to long-term aspects of

competitiveness and sustainability. While there are many international formal and
informal discussions related to sustainability, there is still a lack of necessary
technologies for a transition to a sustainable economic system. Therefore new
scientific and technological breakthroughs are necessary in order to develop a
plethora of clean environmentally friendly and economically viable technologies.
Slovenian EU Presidency is committed to a successful launching of the new Lisbon

Strategy cycle and to make a significant step forward in addressing climate-energy
issues. Here the role of science and technology is crucial. Slovenia is therefore
supporting research related to sustainable development and cleaner technologies,
because one can not imagine an economically viable climate-energy package without
significant strengthening of investment in renewable energy technologies and in
human capital.
Slovenia has therefore accepted a National Research Programme, where targets

include increasing of public R&D investment to 1% of GDP (Lisbon/ Barcelona
target) by 2010, growth of number of researchers with Ph.D. in business sector,
higher rate of establishment of new high-tech firms, support to the growth of patents,
growth of high-tech exports and growth of value-added in Slovenian economy,
among others. A significant novelty is also the decision to assure continuous
monitoring and evaluation of the achievement of the set targets, both in quantitative
and qualitative terms. Research priorities are also defined, but remain relatively
broad: Information and communication technologies, advanced (new) synthetic metal
and non-metal materials and nano-technologies, complex systems and innovative
technologies, technologies for sustainable development and health and life-sciences.
Among research policy priorities there are several related to Lisbon strategy and to
sustainable development. It is also important to strengthen public private partnership
and create conditions for an increased role of private investment in R&D, to develop
fiscal incentives and more favorable employment conditions to attract researchers.
It is my pleasure to welcome researchers from several European countries, members

of the World Academy of Art and Science and members of the Club of Rome to this
creative environment, and I wish you find good answers to the question how can
competition support achieving sustainable development on the European and the
global scale.
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The Lisbon Strategy and Sustainable Consumption and Production
Katja Lautar
State Secretary, Government Office for Growth, Ljubljana
The world in which we live today had been and still is shaped by several megatrends.
Globalisation, along with the 2nd communication revolution had fundamentally
changed our lives and lifestyles. These megatrends contain several positive elements
(spread of political freedom and democratisation of some areas, etc.), however certain
other elements contribute to the increased degradation of the global environment and
loss of biodiversity.
The one of the biggest challenges that the society faces today is how to adapt and
respond to the climate change and at the same time maintain or even improve well
being all human beings while at the same time halt the loss of biodiversity and
improve other environmental indicators.
The new megatrend which is already on the horizon and seems to be one of the sub-
answers to the above question is definitely the Third industrial revolution supported
with the support of creative and not just innovative approaches and solutions to the
prevailing problems. The third industrial revolution should be based on non fossil
fuel energy resources and should improve significantly overall resources efficiency of
the global economic system.
The Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, with its renewed focus, together with other
EU strategic document is aiming to facilitate the third industrial revolution. The
interlinkages between the pillars of the Lisbon strategy are one of the crucial factors
which will lead towards achieving this objective.
There is an ample potential in creating new industries in the sector of renewable

energy resources and energy efficiency which has also a significant employment
potential. Together with the creative sector we could start developing new products,
new business models, new lifestyles. We believe that the future belongs to creators
and empathizers, those who are able to recognise new patterns and who can set new
trends by being meaning makers. This people are artists, inventors, designers,
storytellers, caregivers, consolers, big picture thinkers. There is also an importance
that we need to start developing so called T people. Those who are specialists in their
narrow fields of expertise but are able and know how to work horizontally with T
people from other fields of interest. Only connecting such people can bring us
forward.
The environment is a finite economic resource therefore we should limit the use of
limited resources and use our unlimited potential of mind and creativity. The
important element which needs to be bore in mind is the fact that the price of the
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products` functions are dropping while at the same time the function of meaning is
increasing. The profits should not be a mere result of producing more but rather of
producing less, better and different and should be based on transferring our economy
into the “resources light” economy.
The idea behind the transition towards “resources light” economy is to create
sustainable:
● energy supply relying on energy efficiency combined with renewable energy

resources
● production processes (e.g. cleaner production, life cycle thinking, closing materials
loops, organic farming)
● products (e.g. eco-design)
● ownership and consumption patterns (e.g. sharing, leasing)
● lifestyles (energy efficiency)
● communities (urban planning)
● development indicators (e.g. Gross domestic product (GDP), Genuine progress
indicator (GPI), Happy planet index (HPI))
The consumers need to have an opportunity to purchase products that correspond to

their values and morals – and the increasing value among the consumers is also the
one of the environmental protection. To enable an informed decision of the
consumers however we need to provide with accurate, meaningful and easy to
understand information.
There is also an enormous potential to link the environmental protection with various
employment policies as:
● Recent European LOHAS study shows that in comparison to the Americans

Europeans are more inclined to buy environmentally friendly products and
improve their environmental behaviour. (50 percent more likely to buy “green”
products 25 % more likely to recycle)
● People want to work at green companies and that green and responsible companies
are attracting and retaining talented people.
● Eco industries already represent a significant and quickly growing portion of EU

economy (2,1 % EU GDP) and sustain 3,5 million full time jobs. According to the
data from the Eurima [1] (European Insulation Manufacturers Association) efforts
to improve energy efficiency in buildings would lead to the creation of the
equivalent of up to 530,000 (EURIMA estimates) full time jobs across the EU 25.
These jobs would remain for the entire period of the renovation cycle, e.g. 30
years.
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● Renewables sector provides approximately 2 milion jobs worldwide; number of
jobs/€ invested from renewables is 3 – 5 times number of jobs from fossil fuel
based power generation.
It is clear that Europe cannot wait to start its transition into low-carbon, resources
efficient economy. The Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs with its renewed focus
provides an appropriate framework for the Community to lead the Third Industrial
Revolution.
This is an economic as well as moral imperative as the financial and environmental

costs of inaction are very high and in mid and long term surpass the costs of inaction.
So Europe must act now to prevent adverse effects and mitigate the unavoidable
impacts caused by the climate change as well as to reap ample business opportunities
this challenge is putting forward to those who will know how to use them.
The European Council is aware of the fact that the taking the lead is important and
that for necessary changes in the societies we need different values and different
citizens' behaviour. Therefore at the Spring Council in March 2008 it called on the
national governments and European institutions to lead by example by implementing
the green public procurement practices. The European Commission had presented a
Toolkit which would help to “walk the talk” and would on the other hand help to stir
the innovation and business sector towards providing less environmentally products
for the wider use and consumption while at the same time reduce the environmental
burden of the public sector throughout the Europe.
With the planned future activities at the international as well as the national levels of
the Club of Rome is playing an important role in shifting our society towards more
resource effective since its establishment in 1972. Its intensified work will contribute
towards defining such future development, which will be truly based on the
sustainability principles and will enable future generations to enjoy living on the
diverse, peaceful and abundant world.
Notes:
[1] www.eurima.org/uploads/pdf/building_270Billion_euro/Eurima_GP_submission-
final101005.pdf
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Transforming Europe to a Competitive Low Carbon Society - Why Not ?
Peter Novak
Dean of the College of Technologies and Systems, Novo mesto, Slovenia
Introduction
Low Carbon Society is not a movement to save the environment, neither to show our
technical capability or potential to reduce the GHG emissions; it is the indirect goal
to overcome the present social, economic and ethnical development of human society
on the planet. If we fail, nature will solve the problem on its own way and the
solution will not be pleasant for most part of the human population. Large reduction
of GHG emissions is needed. Many of us put on the table the questions: how low
should we go? Near to zero? Should we reduce the GHG emissions to 80, 70, 60% or
less? What do we have to change? Which way to go? What are the repercussions?
Who is responsible for the present situation, where are the basic roots of our planet’s
disease? In the following sections we try to address these questions from the technical
perspective, one at a time.
How low?
EU 27 total emissions of CO2ekv in 1990 were: 5586 Mt. In 2005 total emissions of
CO2ekv were 7.9% lower (5177 Mt). The agriculture (animals) emissions account for
~12% or 694 Mt CO2ekv. The emission of the human population cannot be found in
any database (maybe it is included in agriculture data, but EU 27 population emission
of GHG is approximately (~400 kg/y, cap) ~3.6% or 200 Mt CO2ekv. For practical
reasons (limiting the breathing of living things) these two emissions of GHG will be
very difficult to reduce. Therefore non reducible emissions are ~ 900 Mt or 15% of
1990 emissions). The other many small emitters represent the other ~10 ÷ 15%
(conditionally non reducible). This means that we can expect the maximal real
reduction of GHG emissions to be near ~70%.
What do we have to change?
In the first place we have to change the behavior of “consumer society”. We have to
slow the GDP growth (to 1-2%) in developed countries, we have to change: fossil
fuels conversion technologies, structure of industry, investment direction in infra-
structure, logistics, services and stock exchange behavior. We have to improve energy
efficiency. We have to change the present way of lifestyle and in some way turn back
closer to the nature (as many years back Voltaire was calling).
Which way to go?
First we have to depict socio-economic visions of the lifestyle in 2050. This is a very
difficult task. Estimating energy service demands, exploring innovations for energy
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demands and supply, quantifying energy supply to estimate CO2 emissions and
checking potentials for sustainable energy sources are the next steps to achieving
energy related GHG emission target. Some countries are working on the plans to find
the best and appropriate way. Japan is studying how to reduce the emissions for 70%
(2050), Australia to 60% (2050), UK for 40÷60% (2050), EU for 20÷30% (2020) and
for 70% (until 2050???). In Slovenia at present we just follow the EU recommend-
ations. In the following we are looking at the possibilities on how to reduce the GHG
emissions in EU in general and in particular in Slovenia for 60% (until 2020) or 70%
(until 2030) in a shorter period of time as the rest of EU member states.
Where are the biggest problems?
World energy related emissions are more than 65%. In EU 25 80% of all emissions
are coming from the energy conversion, mostly from electricity production and
transport. In EU 27 average per capita emission of GHG is 10.2 t/cap and is the
lowest in Latvia 4.7 t/cap and the highest in Luxemburg, with 28 t/cap. Slovenia, with
10.2 t/cap is at the EU average. This big difference in emissions between countries
(1:6) shows that the problem can not be solved in general, with common approach,
directives and measures. It is interesting, that ETS emissions in EU represent only
40% of all GHG emissions or 2.019 Mt CO2ekv. With adopted policy measures in EU
15 only 288 Mt CO2ekv reduction can be realized and with planed measures further
77 Mt CO2ekv or altogether 365 Mt CO2ekv reduction to 2020 can be achieved
(~1/10 of needed reduction).
What do we need?
For EU to become a Low Carbon Society (LCS) in 2050 (- 70% GHG) we have to
diminish the emissions for 3910 Mt CO2ekv GHG emissions. Table 1 presents the
needed changes for different types of emissions.
Share Share Change Factor

Type % % %
present future
1 Electricity: 24 4 84 8 times
2 Road traffic: 21 4 81 5,25 times
3 Residential: 10 2 80 5 times
4 Industrial: 8 4 50 2 times
5 Agriculture: 9 5? 44.4 1,8 times
6 Waste : 3 1 66.7 3 times
7 Other 25 10 60 2.5(4.25) times
Emissions: 100 30 70
Table 1: Needed reductions of GHG for different types of emissions
The first three activities represent 55 % of all emissions and should be reduced to
only 10%, using new technologies and different capital flow. These big changes can
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be achieved only with transformation of political, economic, social and ethical
behavior of EU societies.
Do we have the sustainable conversion technologies?
The answer is: yes, we have almost all needed technologies for the new energy
system. Sustainable energy conversion technologies for LCS, which are presently
available, are for renewable energy: hydro power plant, wind generator, solar heat
collectors, PV, biomass boilers and ethanol conversion technologies, wave’s gen-
erators, geothermal power plants. All these technologies are facing known problems:
energy storage and high first costs. Fossil fuel conversion technologies have been
improving efficiency but are still lacking of CCS (carbon capture and storage) tech-
nologies. Unsolved is the nuclear waste management, nuclear safety and proliferation
is closely connected to political forces, nuclear fuel is not in oversupply, fusion is far
from realization in this century. Internalization of external costs by fossil fuel conver-
sion is happening with snail’s velocity.
Change of energy system
LCS can be achieved only if we create universal, low carbon, sustainable energy sys-
tem. The basic characteristics of such a system are: supply safety, availability/accept-
ability for everybody, economical acceptability and political neutrality. The present
energy system is unsustainable and consists of minimum 6 energy carriers with high
emissions of: NOx, CO, CO2, particulates. Fossil fuels compete with each other.
There is supply insecurity and known limited life time of all resources. In this system
world emissions of GHG is approaching ~ 50 Gt/yr in 2007.
The Future Energy System for Sustainable Development will consist of only 3 typical
energy carriers (gas, liquid, electricity) which are universally applicable. The energy
carriers are: renewable electricity, methane CH4 (natural/synthetic gas) and methanol
CH3OH – oxidized methane as liquid fuel. Advantage of proposed system is that we
don’t need almost any change of present infrastructure and we can fully exploit the C
from biomass and H2 from water. Transition to the new system can happen in 40 to 60
years period and must be an organic growth to enable the smooth economic change in
government financial institutions (fuel tax problem).
Transition to low carbon energy system
Transition can be made in three steps: (1) Change the conversion technology for
electricity production, CCS, solar, nuclear electricity; (2) Change from high carbon,
fossil fuels to low carbon renewable, bio/solar -methanol, ethanol; (3) Change from
fossil methane to synthetic/solar methane.
The promoted hydrogen economy is in this scenario included with hydrogen as an

intermediate energy carrier, not as a fuel. The main problem is how to cover growing
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electricity demand in EU and in the rest of the world. In EU, planned construction of
new power plants to replace the old units and to cover growing electricity demand
until 2020 will reach 300GW and in 2030 500GW. If we would like to have the same
share of nuclear electricity production as present, more than 100 GW of nuclear
power plants until 2030 should be built. In practice this is almost impossible.
Therefore, the main question is how big the growth of electricity consumption can
be? Zero is the best answer. If not nuclear, which type of the fuel should be used for
electricity production for the next 35-40 years (a typical life time of a power plant):
fossil (gas, oil, coal all with supply security problem, CCS)? Can the role of
renewable energy become significant and at which price?
Is there another way for the EU to become LCS?
From our point of view, two solutions are on the table: nuclear fission (question of
political acceptance - not discussed further in the paper) and solar. Looking at the
solar world map, PV potential only in Sahara, as a leader, exceeds 315000 TWh/yr. In
EU 25 in 2007 electricity consumption was ~ 3180 TWh/y or 1/100 part of this
potential. Based on historical evolution of civilization, it is close to the common
opinion, that cooperation with North Africa region and South Mediterranean
countries is something natural. Therefore solar electricity from Mediterranean Africa
can be a long term sustainable solution for Africa and EU.
Power from Africa for Europe?
In the last ten years different studies (DESERTEC - Clean Power from the Deserts,
Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation project in conjunction with the
German Association of the Club of Rome http://www.desertec.org) propose to build
concentrated solar power plants in Nord Africa and supply the solar electricity first to
the Mediterranean Countries and later to the rest of the EU, through a high voltage
DC power line. Not only solar electricity but also solar sin-fuel (hydrogen, methane
and methanol) can be produced in large quantities, solving the solar energy and
electricity storage problem. There are many advantages of such a solution: renewable
energy conversion, zero emissions, use of the Sunbelt, no arable land use and socio-
economic development of North Africa (solution for fewer refugees). On the other
hand there are also some disadvantages: technology is still in development, high first
costs, distance and political issues – energy dependence. Not going in the details, we
will check what solar power technologies are on disposal on MW level.
Solar power conversion technologies
Three main conversion technologies are available: solar thermal electricity, solar PV
and wind generators.
For solar thermal power plants the most developed technology is the system with
parabolic through concentrators using thermal oil or water as energy carrier. Working
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temperature is about 400°C. This type of solar power plant was built on MW level 20
years ago in Kramer junction, Mojave Desert, 354 MW SEGS (solar electricity gener-
ation system) is working until now and is a good base for the future development of
the system in the Sahara. This year a new SEGS was put in operation with capacity of
50 MW in desert near to the Mojave. Efficiency of 20 year old SEGS is between 10
(average) and 20% (daily maximum). In combination with gas turbines the total effi-
ciency and power factor has been signifficantly improved. The new plants’ efficiency
is expected to be 5 to 6% higher. Investment: $2000/kW for SEGS and $850/kW for
ISCCS (Integrated solar combined cycle system with gas turbine – hybrid system).
Hybridization up to 25% is economic. Cost of the thermal storage is ~ $ 20/kWh.
The second technology which is still in development is solar tower principle. Only
experimental power plant has been built until today. The concentration of solar
energy using the heliostats is going up to 1000°C. The achievable temperature is over
1200°C. Heat carriers are molten salts, air and water. The system is applicable for
sinfuel production. System efficiency is low (7-12%). Maintenance of heliostats is
demanding. Project for 40 MW thermal and 15 MWe power plant with investment of
~100 M$ and production costs 15 c$/kWh is planned in Spain and Algeria.
The third technology is solar chimney. Proposed by German engineers there was built
a prototype of 50 kW in Spain. The idea is to use the buoyancy in the chimney. New
design is going to 200 MW. The working temperature is between 60 to 80°C. For
electricity generation special designed wind turbines are used. Efficiency is low,
about 3%, but the system is able to work day and night, because of heat accumulation
in the soil or water cushions. The system is simple, appropriate for combinations with
other types of solar power plants. Area needed for installation is ~98 m2/kWe. Capaci-
ty factor can be up to 0.57 and yearly production of 200 MW plant is at 350 ÷400
GWh/y in Sahara conditions.
The last two technologies: PV and wind turbine are common known technologies and
need no further explanation. Both are in mass production and close to the market. The
latest achievement of PV technology with efficiency of 40.8% with solar concentra-
tion of ~ 360 sun give us the new possibilities to build new type of hybrid solar
power plant. Combined high efficiency PV with solar thermal power plant (SEGS)
with final efficiency close to 55% is at present, among the most efficient of modern
gas combined cycle power plants. This is the way to the new solar power plant era.
Sustainable electricity supply proposal for LCS in EU

(Proposal made by P. Novak: 2006, Tripoli, 2006 Nicosia, 2007 Dalass)
Based on previous explanation of different technologies we propose to produce large

amount of electricity for the EU in North - East Libya desert under the auspice of UN
Organizations (UNESCO, UNEP and UNDP). Libya has available non arable land,
extensive solar radiation; the EU has technologies for solar power plants and HV DC
transmission. EU countries will become LCS and there will be no shortage of energy
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supply for industry, traffic and homes. Design concept for MW 1200 MW SOLAR
POWER PLANT is combination of 1 x 200 MW solar chimney (5000 x 5000 m, H =
1000 m); 6 x 100 MW ISCCS (3 x 6100m x 700 m2); 2x 100 MW PV (1 x 5000 m x
500 m) and 80 x 2.5 MW wind turbines. The area for such a plant is about 44 km2.
Total efficiency (with present technology): Solar chimney: 3.0% (5%); ISCCS (ST):
12.5% (18%); PV 12.5% (16%) and WG 40,0%. Expected yearly electricity produc-
tion: 5142 TWh. Number of units built per year: 20-30. To cover 50% of EU
electricity needs in 2010 ~ 350 such power plants should be built. 200 x 200 km land
area will be needed to cover 100% of the electricity consumption in 2030 in 25 EU
Countries. This is less than 2.5% of Libya’s desert area. At present more than 12
commercial solar power plants are in development with total nominal power over
1400 MW (DLR; Steinhagen, 2007).
Transmission of Electricity
In the first phase of solar power plant construction the Mediterranean high voltage
circular line can be used. The second phase will be construction of the high voltage
direct current line under-sea to EU countries. The third phase is to convert solar
electricity to sinfuels: hydrogen, methane (gas) and methanol (liquid) for sustainable
energy system.
How to start?
With right of use of the land given from Libya to the one of UN organizations
(UNESCO; UNDP; UNEP) for 35-99 year contract /or donation. The first unit can be
built with credit of WB, GEF and private/public partnership. Selling the green
electricity to the EU and other interested countries, solving the GHG emissions
problem for ever. Benefit should be used for activities of UN (UNESCO, UNDP,
UNEP, etc.). Benefits of such solution will be: (1) UN organizations become
financially less dependent and can help the African and other countries in deve-
lopment. (2) Europe will be supplied with sustainable electricity from independent
organizations. (3) Experience will be collected for the future commercially built
units. (4) Libya or other (land owner) North African country will become an
important part of international sustainable development policy. (5) Africa can be
finance its own development.
Conclusions for the first part of solution:
The question of solar electricity production in large scale in North Africa for LCS in
EU is not: “can we do it?”, but, “why don’t we do it?”. We have the technology,
which is not yet optimized, but is available. Do we have the political will or interest?
Do we really want to create a Low Carbon Society (LCS)? Solar electricity from
North Africa is not a 100% solution for EU countries. 20-50% of final energy should
be converted in any case from sun in EU alone.
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How Slovenia can become LCS before 2050
Different possibilities exist to reduce the emissions in Slovenia and we will analyze a
scenario with most chance to be realized if the new government decides for the
development in these direction. How to achieve this result?
Total: 100% 20203 kt CO2 6061 kt CO2 - 30%

Energy: 15922 3797
Electricity: 6729 729
Industry: 4404 2202
Transportation: 2008 500
Residential: 2366 366
Fugitive em.: 415 0
Industry: 1327 964
Coatings: 82 10
Agriculture: 2350 1230?
Waste: 566 60
Table 2: CO2 emissions in 1990 (as starting point) in Slovenia
Electricity production
1. Oxy-fuel technology with CSS. All new power plants Šoštanj, Trbovlje and district
heating TOL Ljubljana and Koper (~1.4 GW) should be built with oxy-fuel
technologies and CSS using LNG (- 160°C, ~8 Mm3) for oxygen production (new
LNG terminal in Koper). Advantage: no emission of GHG, LNG evaporation without
environmental impact, possibilities to sell the ETS. Disadvantage: Not many com-
mercial applications. We have to build demo plants.
2. New nuclear PP 0.7-1.2 GW. The aim is to produce electricity mostly for new
transportation technologies (electric, pneumatic, fuel cells car and hydrogen produc-
tion), to solve the fossil fuel supply for transportation and for LC HP-s heating and
cooling.
3. Construction of hydro PP on Sava, Mura and Idrijca rivers with pumping storage
4. Building of ~ 200 MW of geothermal power plants in North –East Slovenia and 1
GW for green-houses.
5. Construction of ~ 120 MW wind generators on height of Adria coast.
Expected carbon free electricity production: 17000 TWh (+30% from 2005 consump-
tion – new power will be devoted for cars, HP-s, etc.).
Heat conversion and others
1. Thermal insulation of buildings (thermal insulation free of charge – subsidizing

100% from the state) (new regulation requires 2 times better insulation - all new
and refurbished buildings will be low energy buildings).
2. Introduction of biomass cogeneration and pellet auxiliary heating (for solar heating
system).
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3. Restructuring the industry to use more cogeneration and solar power, (LC
electricity, HP).
4. Changing the live stock numbers by -50% (if possible).
5. Changing the national logistic (public transportation, train and bus integration,
supermarket supply lines etc. Trucks on train).
6. Waste management (gasification, first incineration unit is almost finished);
7. Subsidizing (no tax) of hybrid, electric, and fuel cells cars purchase.
New technologies proposed for low carbon society in Slovenia:
(1) Introduction of CNG buses for public transport; (2) New factories for: thin layer
solar cells production 50-100 MW/y, solar collectors 60000 m2/y, and geothermal HP-
5000/y; (3) New factory for the light town cars (hybrid, electric, pneumatic) – 50000
pc/y; (4) New factory for bio-ethanol and bio-methanol ~35000 ton/y from domestic
biomass.
For realization of the scenario we need: (1) Investment for Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency: 300 M€/y: 33% public, 67% private (~ 1% of present GDP); (2)
New employment for 10000 workers (with average salary ~2500 €/month brutto).
Slovenia is able to become a Low Carbon Society (LCS) in the next 13-20 years if
government changes the present development direction. There are no obstacles in
technical or human resources (knowledge). Problem lies with the decision makers in
political and financial institutions. Obstacles: LCS means no more “consumer socie-
ty” and therefore is not popular for present typical socio-economic system.
Literature:
1. P. Novak: Energy and UNO - how to synergy?, Slovenian. EGES, 03-2007;

2.H.Müller-Steihagen: Concentrating solar power for sustainable electricity generation, DLR, 2006;
3.Club of Rome: DESERTEC, White paper, 2007;
4.National plan for energy efficiency 2008-2016, SI Gov. Jan, 2008;
5.P. Novak: PP Low carbon society – why not, Energy Seminar, Portorož, SI, 2007;
6.CEC: Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential, COM(2006)545final;
7.EU Energy and Transport Outlook, 2006;
8.EU: The Liberalizations of Europe's Electricity Markets, 2000 – str.12;
9.DOE, Office for Science: Basic Research Needs for Solar Energy Utilisation, Washington, 2005;
10.Kurukawa Kosuke: Energy from the Desert, IEA-PVPS Task 8, 2003;
11.DLR Final Report: Concentrating Solar Power for the Mediteranean Region, Germany, 2005;
12.Concentrated Solar Power – Now, Greenpace, September 2005;
13.Das Aufwindkraftwerk, Schleich Bergernmann and Partner, GbR, Internal Report, Germany;
14.DG TREN: Doing more with less, Green paper on energy efficiency, COM(2005)265final;
15.P. Novak: Big Sun, Solar Power from North Africa, World Renewable Energy&Environment
Conference, Tripoli, 22-24. Januar 2006 (v tisku);
16.P. Novak: Power Supply in Europe: how sustainable it can be?, ASHRAE Seminar, Dallas, USA,
Jan. 2007;
17.P.Novak: Power supply in Europe, EES Conference, Nicosia 2007 (v tisku)
17
Microbiologically Produced Hydrogen as Energy Source
Maja Martinšek
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University Maribor
Hydrogen: a promising energy source
We know our reliance on fossil fuels has created an energy crisis of global
proportions. Ground sources are rapidly dwindling, and the world is consuming oil
more than two times faster than the rate of new discovery. Hence worries for clean
environment lead to explorations of clean energy sources. Our goal is to reduce
emissions of CO2. Hydrogen has therefore become an interesting fuel, because it
burns directly into water. It can be produced by three main ways: (i) The first way is
by Thermal processes. That is the most economical way today, because the cost is
only 1,87 €/kg H2. The guesses are that by the year 2015 the price would drop to 1,24
€/kg. By Steam transformation we get a lot of H2, but we also get great amounts of
CO and CO2 and these two are the greenhouse gasses. (ii) The second way is by Elec-
trolytic process. The disadvantage of this process is that another source of energy is
needed that makes electricity. (iii) The third way is by Photolytic processes. This is
the latest and the cleanest method of hydrogen production. For large-scale use, the
production of significant quantities of hydrogen economically is essential.
The production of hydrogen from organic substrate remains that result from microbi-
ological wastewater treatment in bioreactors is a very promising process. Despite the
current production price, the biological hydrogen productions combine the advantage
of ecological production with clean combustion. Other goals, such as waste (water)
treatment and carbon dioxide reduction, are served. Before hydrogen can be used at
large scale many problems related with storage, transportation and security must be
solved.
Photobiological production of H2
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photoautotrophic organisms because they can use
light as the energy source and the carbon dioxide as carbon source. Some bacteria are
termed photoheterotrophic microorganisms because in spite of their ability of using
light as the energy source, they need organic carbon as the carbon source.
Photoautotrophic H2 production
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are able to use sunlight to metabolize carbon dioxide
(CO2) inside energyrich organic compounds [Cn(H2O)n], with water (H2O) as an addi-
tional substrate. Normal photoautotrophic microalgal growth:
Route A: CO2 +H2O + “light energy”→ [Cn(H2O)n] + O2.
Under anaerobic conditions, microalgae can produce H2, by water photolysis, using
light as the energy source. The catalyst is a hydrogenase, an enzyme that is extremely
18
sensitive to oxygen, a by-product of photosynthesis.
Route B: 4H2O + “light energy”→ 2O2 + 4H2 (ΔG0 = +1498 kJ).
Photoheterotrophic production of H2
The ability of N2 fixation by photoheterotrophic bacteria or (heterocystous) cyano-

bacteria is catalyzed by the nitrogenase enzyme. The nitrogenase enzyme also cataly-
ses the evolution of H2, particularly in the absence of N2. The overall energy consum-
ing reaction is N2+8H++8e−+16ATP→2NH3+H2+16ADP+16Pi.
The conversion of the organic substrate (acetate at the example below) into hydrogen
demands energy and this is obtained from light.
C2H4O2liq + 2H2Oliq + “light energy”→ 2CO2gas + 4H2gas (ΔG0 = 75,2 kJ).
The nitrogenase enzyme is also highly sensitive to oxygen, and inhibited by ammoni-
um ions. This explains why bioreactors must usually operate under anaerobic condi-
tions free of N2, with illumination and limiting concentrations of nitrogen sources.
Production of hydrogen by fermentation has been studied for a number of pure cul-
tures of fermentative bacteria. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Clostridium
butyricum, Clostridium acetobutyricum, and Clostridium perfringens have been
found to produce hydrogen under anaerobic conditions. Clostridium species are im-
portant anaerobic hydrogen producing microorganisms used for studying the conver-
sion of carbohydrate to hydrogen gas.
All that processes can be carried out in bioreactors. [1]
Bioreactors
A bioreactor is a vessel in which is carried out a chemical process which involves

organisms or biochemically active substances derived from such organisms. Under
optimum conditions the microorganisms or cells will reproduce at an astounding rate.
The vessel's environmental conditions like gas (i.e., air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon di-
oxide, hydrogen) flow-rates, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen levels, and agita-
tion speed need to be closely monitored and controlled. There are many kinds of bio-
reactors. Among the most known ones are batch reactor, continuous stirred tank reac-
tor (CSTR), packed-bed reactor (PBR), sequencing continuous reactor (SCR), fluid-
ized-bed reactor (FBR), trickling biofilter reactor (TBR), leaching-bed reactor (LBR),
internal recirculation packed-bed reactor (IRPR), and fixed-bed reactor, where fer-
mentative bacteria are used in the process. Janssen [2] also reviewed three types of
photobioreactors: the vertical column reactors (air-lift loop reactor and bubble col-
umn), flat panel reactor, and tubular reactors, where microalgae, diatoms or cyano-
bacteria play an important role. Bioreactors are commonly cylindrical, ranging in size
from some liter to cube meters, and are often made of stainless steel, except for pho-
tobioreactors which are often made of glass or other transparent material. Consider-
ing the findings that flat panel reactors and tubular reactors (at least in theory) show
the highest efficiencies, these two are very interesting for the further investigation,
19
but in the future it would be necessary to develop new applications into these two ty-
pes of reactors, so that their possibilities would be scaled up for practical purposes.
The main application of hydrogen is expected to be, in the near future, in fuel-cell
powered vehicles. These vehicles have already been developed, but are still subject to
optimization by car-manufacturing companies.
Annual Min. H
System Design Capital Cost [€] Operating Selling
Cost [€] Price [€]
300 kg/d, 6,22€/m2, PSA, high-pressure storage 3.235.843,19 74.051,03 8,42
300 kg/d, 6,22€/m2, PSA, pipeline delivery 1.991.288,11 81.518,36 3,68
300 kg/d, 6,22€/m2, high-pressure storage 3.111.387,68 71.561,92 8,05
300 kg/d, 6,22€/m2, pipeline delivery 1.804.604,85 79.029,25 3,43
300 kg/d, 6,22€/m2, ponds only, no compr. 1.182.327,32 62.850,03 2,29
300 kg/d, 0,62€/m2, ponds only, no compr. 124.455,51 31.736,15 0,35
300 kd/d, 0,62€/m2, PSA, pipeline delivery 933.416,30 50.404,48 1,76
300 kd/d, 62,23€/m2, PSA, high-pressure
storage 13.814.561,29 382.078,41 273,18
High-pressure storage only 1.866.832,61 14.934,66 4,82
Pipeline delivery, no storage limit 684.505,29 29.247,04 1,27
Capital Costs, Operating Costs and Hydrogen Selling Prices for Different Algal Hydrogen System
Configurations (PSA – pressure-swing adsorption). [3]
Advantage of wastewater treatment as well as production and usage of hydrogen as a

fuel, would result in reduction of the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Through hyd-
rogen bioreactor technologies one can demonstrate the viability of clean-burning,
cost-effective hydrogen as a source of alternative energy. The only problem is that
bioreactors are not yet efficient enough and therefore industrialization of them is not
an easy job due to economics. Estimate costs for the base case design for the algal
system produced hydrogen are 8,42 EUR/kg (Table). This price included a 15% re-
turn on investment on bioreactor. The estimated future selling price of hydrogen pro-
duced from algae ranges between 0,35 EUR/kg and 8,42 EUR/kg, depending upon
where you define the system boundaries. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) target
price is 1,62 EUR/kg, which could be achieved by the year 2015.
References
[1] M. Janssen. Cultivation of microalgae: effect of light/dark cycles on biomass yield. Thesis,
Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 2002.
[2] I. Akkerman, et al., Photobiological hydrogen production: photochemical efficiency and
bioreactor design, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 27, 1195-1208 (2002).
[3] Wade A. Amos. Updated Cost Analyses of Photobiological Hydrogen Production from
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Green Algae. Milestone Competition Report. January 2004.
20
Drinking Water Conditioning with Ecoremediation (ERM)
Ana Vovk Korže (Univ. of Maribor, Int. Center for Ecoremediation)

Danijel Vrhovšek (Limnos d.o.o. - Company for applied Ecology)
Ecoremediation methods include different bioremediation and phytoremediation me-

thods. These are processes by which living organisms are used to degrade or trans-
form hazardous organic contaminants and remediate contaminated soil, sediments,
surface water or underground water.
All across Europe underground water sources, especially small supplies/wells, are
contaminated with microorganisms, nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals, and pesti-
cides. Contaminated drinking water can be a consequence of agriculture, inappropri-
ate deposition of waste, traffic, absent or leaking sewage system, etc. The most fre-
quent contaminants of drinking water are coliform bacteria, nitrates, pesticides and
their residues and heavy metals, all of which affect human health. In spite of reduced
use of pesticides in agriculture their concentrations in drinking water will remain high
for some time as majority of pesticides need long time to break down (Istenič, Oblak,
Vrhovšek, 2006).
According to drinking water pollution in Slovenia the most problematic are small
local water supply systems particularly in agricultural areas. In Slovenia there are 811
small water supply systems which supply altogether 184.207 inhabitants. Small water
supply systems are defined as systems which supply between 50 and 1000 people.
Water wells which supply less than 50 people are excluded. The most frequent pollu-
tants are microbes from faecal origin, with which drinking water becomes polluted
when in contact with human or animal faeces or domestic waste water. The most af-
fected are small supply systems which supply between 50 and 500 inhabitants. In
these systems according to national monitoring of drinking water every second sam-
ple is microbiologically polluted (Monitoring of drinking water, 2005).
Conventional methods which enable effective elimination of all present pollutants are
often too expensive form small water supply systems. In conventional methods for
drinking water purification, bigger particles are removed through sand filters, small
particles, microbes and pesticide residues through membrane and adsorption filters,
and nitrates through reverse osmosis or chemically with ion exchange colons. The
amount of microorganisms in water can be reduced also with chlorination and ozoni-
zation. Unpleasant side consequence of chlorination and ozonization is the formation
of unwished chemical side products of disinfection (Istenič, Oblak, Vrhovšek, 2006).
The problem with conventional drinking water treatment such as chlorination and
ozonization is possibility to change chemical water structure. Chlorinating water loa-
ded with organic matter causes carcinogenic AOX compounds. Also with ozonization
could be formed organic chlorides and bromide ion is oxidized to bromatic ion. All
21
these technologies are very complicated and expensive and for small communities
with less than 500 residents, out of reach (Poročilo, 2007).
With ecoremediation methods (ERM), which combine bioremediations, phyto-

remediations and mycoremediations is possible to remove most of pollutants in
drinking water. ERM technologies are use of natural, co-natural and artificial ecosys-
tems for protection of nature, space and environment. Those ecosystems have strong
buffer, purification and biodiversity capacities, and they are able to assist by
neutralisation, decomposition of wasted waters, lands and air form different pollution
sources (agriculture, tourist facilities, industry, landfill sites, and settlements). With
relatively low costs we can achieve relatively high efficiency in protecting environ-
ment, drinking water sources, underground water, streams, rivers, lakes and see.
Technology is most appropriate in rural areas with spread settlements. One of very
often used and efficiency ERM technology for cleaning waste waters from different
sources are constructed wetlands (CW). CW imitates the self-cleaning ability of na-
ture for the treatment of polluted waters. The system consists of several successive
beds isolated with foil and filled with substrate. Advantage of using CW is their simp-
le technology, reliability and low maintenance costs. World wide they are used mostly
for cleaning sewage waste waters. Efficiencies of removing nitrogen in different
forms (nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia), heavy metals, pathogens and also pesticides
are very high. All this cleaning capabilities could be used for conditioning of drinking
water or to reach underground water from freshwaters (lakes, rivers). While in nowa-
days exists a few systems of CW for reaching underground water, CW for condition-
ing drinking water are relatively scientific novelty.
The main problem in newly independed states is microbiological contamination of

drinking water due to decaying infrastructure e.g. water treatment systems that are no
longer functioning properly and prohibitive cost of chlorination and other conven-
tional drinking water treatment processes.
Hell columns are the water flow and the dark columns are water outflow: Number
bacterius E.coli in 100 mLwith the flow 5 L/min on the different level in constructed
wettland Gerlinci in winter time (Poročilo, 2007).
Sources:
Darja ISTENIČ, LEON OBLAK, DANIJEL VRHOVŠEK, 2006: Conditioning of drinking water
on constructed wetland - part 1: elimination of Escherichia coli.
POROČILO O IZVAJANJU RAZISKOVALNO – RAZVOJNEGA PROJEKTA CENTRA

ODLIČNOSTI (ukrep 1.1, instrument 1.1.1, aktivnost 3a), Ministrstvo za znanost in tehnologijo,
2007.
Monitoring of drinking water, 2005.
22
A Qualitative Transformation Into a Knowledge-Based Economy and Society
Prof. Dr. Lojze Sočan

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences
1. The concept
Despite Slovenia's ambition to follow the Lisbon strategy and reach the status of
highly developed knowledge-based economy and society in about one generation or
less, Slovenia’s investments in R+D and in university are still considerably insuffici-
ent regarding these targets. Recently, the minister of Science and Technology and
Higher Education stated that Slovenia is fast in approaching the EU in R+D expendi-
ture. The situation is just the opposite: The EU is approaching Slovenia, which con-
stantly spends about 1.5% of GDP for R+D; the larger the number of member coun-
tries, the closer is the EU to Slovenia! The problems are not only with less developed
new members and South European countries but also with the developed part of the
EU, except the Consensus societies, where Sweden invests about 4%, and Finland
over 3.5% of their GDP into R+D. Serious enough was the recent warning of the
Commissioner Janez Potočnik that China will surpass the EU in investments in R+D
as early as in 5 years if the EU would not speed up its R+D activities.
In addition, Slovenia is not improving its investments into the complex knowledge
(education, upgrading, R+D, ICT) as well. Slovenia invests into this area about
14.5% of GDP in comparison to the Consensus societies, which all surpass 20%!
Financing of the university as well as the knowledge upgrading of individuals, firms,
and institutions, which decisively raises the employability of regions and a country,
are facing the most critical delay in Slovenia. Since the governmental financing of
Slovenian universities did not rise during the last half a decade, and because of the
increasing number of students, the expense per student in Slovenia is presently in the
bottom group of the EU members.
2. The approach
In order to carry out the qualitative transformation of the economy and society,
Slovenia and the majority of the EU members will have to behave in a similar way as
the smaller number of countries, which succeeded in about one generation or even
less to realize the societal, technological, economic, and governance break through.
As a consequence, they presently appear among the first quarter of the globally most
competitive and developmentally successful and safe economies and societies.
Because of their rather different developmental identity it is not to copy them, but to
learn from them. Let me present some general and specific levers for such an
achievement (according to IMD, WEF, The WB etc.) for the most prominent smaller
countries on this course like Singapore, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden etc.
General levers: There are some similar norms these countries have been respecting
23
during the long term period. In addition to the similar general trends practically all of
them have been experiencing very specific levers of development, which created the
core of their present developmental identity: All above mentioned countries have
been permanently keeping “the house clean” in a way to respect the norms of global
openness and competitiveness, covering first of all systemic, macroeconomic, and
global market criteria of the EU Single market norms (Maastricht, 1992). They
experienced high level of growth of their investments into the complex knowledge
(education, upgrading, R+D, ICT), sooner or later reaching about 20% of GDP and
even surpassing it. As a result the employability of the population, as well as their
technological and innovative capability grew substantially. These countries deliberat-
ely endeavored to improve social cohesion and consensus-based decision making of
societal partners. They have been permanently improving their innovation systems.
With them they have been intricately linking knowledge and experience among uni-
versity, institutes, business, and society through thousands of joint projects, and by
this way raising technological potentials and innovation capability in business, public
sector, and governmental institutions. As a result, the share of globally competitive
business potential in these countries comes close to 85%, while the share of business
potentials with technological, financial, managerial, structural, and other problems
does not exceed 10%, and less than 5% of the total business potential is dying. These
countries upgraded the obsolete ownership-based capitalism with global business
technological and innovative ties (Winning performance), and are recently entering
the knowledge-networks among business and society (Winning culture).
Specific levers: The specific levers of the countries with the achieved development
break through are even more intensely adding to their identity. For instance the
Ireland is very much known by its six three-annual agreements of societal partners on
qualitative transformation of the country. In addition, extremely efficient institutional
infrastructure (IIRS, IDA, Forbairt, Enterprise Ireland) brought into the country more
than 150 billion dollars of foreign direct investments with top managerial, technolo-
gial, financial, export, research and other capabilities, highly compatible with proper-
ly educated young population. Finland has been nearly two decades widely known by
its efficient innovation system, bringing together research capabilities of the universi-
ty, institutes, business, and society, again highly compatible with the industrial clus-
ters and highly educated population. Already by 1988, the parliament of Singapore
adopted the values of the country according to the needs of the future development of
the country (proceeding with Confucius, adding individual motivation, respecting fa-
mily, promoting consensus, and eliminating racial intolerance). The basis for the Den-
mark’s “flexicurity” are huge investments in knowledge, in particular the upgrading
of individuals, firms, institutions so as to raise the employability of the nation, what
has been very compatible with business clusters and the innovation system of the
country. Sweden is the leading country regarding the investment in R+D (over 4%
GDP) and in the complex knowledge as well. The intricate ties among the advanced
universities, institutes, business, and society progressively lead this country towards
the knowledge-based economies and societies.
24
3. The position of Slovenia and the new members
Delays and weaknesses
The project Simulations of Sustainable Development classifies the EU member

countries according to the Lisbon strategy targets into 4 typical development groups:
The consensus societies are now the closest to the norms of knowledge-based econo-
my and society and firmly among the contemporary world development leaders. They
are followed by the largest and developed welfare states, with France and Germany as
the hitherto core of the EU development, based on capital, single market, and techno-
logy, and being at the same time able to solve up to the present conceptual, strategic,
and political issues of this integration. Among the general characteristics of the South
European countries has been a larger share of underdeveloped areas. Finally, the new
members succeeded in installing the fundamental norms of the EU single market. The
majority of politicians and economists are convinced that the fundamental strategic
and policy power has already been passed on to the EU level, in particular within the
Euro zone. However, the path towards knowledge-based economy and society re-
quires an advanced institutional infrastructure, as well as high level of consensus-
based decision making to accept and carry out numerous demanding decisions as a
ground for modern and competitive development. Such a development is also the
basis for language and multi-cultural identity, as well as for rising societal, technolo-
gical, economic, and even governance identity of member countries and their regions
to enhance winning performance of firms and winning culture of regions and member
countries. The single market norms and application of Euro are only a firm pre-
condition for modern development, while the synergy of identities creates the core of
knowledge-based networks within business and society. Let us elucidate these issues,
which suffer the greatest delays and weaknesses in the new members of the EU.
Societal identity
The path towards knowledge-based economy and society is not either economically
efficient or social; it is progressively based on human resource and affluent knowl-
edge of the whole population. Therefore, one of the fundamental tasks on this way is
a permanent intense investment to raise the entire knowledge and employability of
citizens to make the labor market flexible and at the same time to lower the share of
socially and developmentally excluded population. As a consequence, growing social
cohesion creates the sound basis for consensus of societal partners. Slovenia is gradu-
ally approaching 15% of GDP investment in entire knowledge, while the majority of
the new members are still lower. On the other hand the consensus societies all invest
more than 20% of their GDP for this purpose. Even more dangerous, in Slovenia re-
cently, and in practically all new members, the social differentiation is growing!
There are still very few exceptions among the new members (e.g. Estonia) from the
governing with one voice of majority, frequently blocking very promising proposals
of the opposition and other societal partners. At the same time the new members are
all, according to M. Porter, in the phase of “investment competitiveness”; in order to
25
reach high level of development, they are facing very demanding investments into the
complex knowledge and upgrading of nations, in material infrastructure, as well as in
technological and innovative revitalization of jobs. Since these investments exceed
the saving and investment possibilities of these countries, they have to take advantage
of foreign direct investments, too. However, these strategies have to be selected and
accepted by consensus of societal partners; all of them have to commit to them and
all of them have to take advantage of the results in the long time period.
Technological and innovative identity
Physical economic growth (GDP) alone is not always the guarantee to reach the level
of highly developed economies and societies. The mark of distinction of reaching the
“innovative competitiveness” (according to M. Porter) is the creation of an innova-
tion oriented institutional infrastructure of a country and its regions, which should
through strategic and policy measures as well as financial support promote knowl-
edge, technological development and innovation. The core of this process stems from
an efficient innovative system, resulting in a countless number of technologically
new and innovative products and services in business, public sector and government.
Finland’s innovation system is by all these criteria among the world leading ones.
Such an innovative environment is gradually changing the hitherto concept of a con-
temporary university: From priority teaching institution it is transforming into a
strong R+D institution with numerous research contacts with business and society at
solving their problems, which in turn upgrade the excellence and the relevance of the
university teaching. By such characteristics modern university is becoming a funda-
mental pillar of an evolution into a knowledge-based economy and society. Except
Estonia, all the new members of the EU are, with few exceptions, still in the darkness
of their obsolete ownership-based capitalism. However, all of the EU member coun-
tries could learn very much from heir co-members – the Consensus societies.
Economic identity:
In order to more than double the VA per employee (30,000 Euros) and GDP pc
(16,000 Euros) in case of Slovenia, and to reach the advanced part of the EU, the ma-
jority of business and public sector potentials will have to pass the technological and
innovative revitalization in less than a decade. Corresponding will be the efforts of
the other new member countries. Therefore, the present obsolete concept of typical
“ownership capitalism”, which has been in Slovenia culminating under the present
government, will have to be urgently upgraded into a modern technology- and inno-
vation-based motivation of competitiveness and growth. For instance Ireland and
Finland already started their upswing with such a concept. As a consequence, in these
two countries, and similarly in western part of Germany and in the other Consensus
societies, about 85% of business potential, public sector, and government is globally
highly competitive and creating high value added. In Slovenia this share is lower than
50%, while it is still lower in the majority of new members. Also these advanced
countries are facing higher taxation of wealth and promotion of knowledge, technol-
26
ogy, and innovation. Such a process cannot be efficient by presently allowing that
hidden economy, including corruption, surpasses 20% of GDP in Slovenia. Without
solving these issues, the efficient combination of technological advance and innova-
tion with domestic savings and foreign direct investments could not be compatible.
The governance
The Single market norms of the EU, based decisively on neutral policies of openness
and competitiveness deserved hitherto main concern also in Slovenia and other new
members. Allowing the double rate of inflation alone, in comparison to the Euro
zone, deserves very critical assessment of the current government policies allowing
Slovenia high indebtedness of the government, banks, business, and population. In
addition, there are no signs of upgrading of the governance, which has been up to the
present decisively promoting single market norms and globalization. In particular
there are no efforts to promote new quality values in support to creation of knowl-
edge-based economy and society, like social cohesion and consensus based decision
making, transparency and reducing corruption, employability, knowledge-based de-
velopment etc. Similarly, Slovenia and the majority of new members, and a number
of the old ones, desperately lack the measures of advanced policies, like the compre-
hensive institutional infrastructure to enhance knowledge, technology, and innovation
in business and society, as well as to implement the norms and behavior of advanced
environmental norms. In creating consensus-based sustainable development the res-
ponsible ministries and agencies cannot act alone. They can only succeed in these ef-
forts through a continuous and high level of cooperation and joint efforts of the
government and parliament with all societal partners. The consensus societies have
experienced a number of good practices in the area of effective governance, too.
4. Some conclusions
During the last half a century the EEC – EU has evolved from the process of creating
a New Europe within an old, unchanging world. Now, the EU is ageing, except the
Consensus societies, within a progressively changing world. Therefore, the EU urg-
ently needs the upgrading of its predominant policies of openness and competitive-
ness with consensus-based values and institutional infrastructure to heavily build on
knowledge, advanced technologies and innovation at all levels of GDP creation, so as
to successfully cope with growing and progressively demanding global challenges.
The present EU urgently needs the qualitative improvement of its main institutions to
comprehensively create the ground for knowledge-based economy and society. The
same is true for the EU member countries and their regions. The good practices of
Consensus societies might serve as a mirror and some times also as a model – not to
copy them but to learn from them. Their recent leading competitive position in the
global development environment is particularly impressive and confidence creating.
27
Impact of Eco-Industry Development in the Czech Republic on Employment
and Foreign Trade [1]
Eva Tošovská (Economics Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the CR)

Iva Ritschelová (J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem)
The long-term trend in EU countries is towards environmentally-friendly production,

where eco-innovation and eco-products are beginning to prevail. One element in this
much wider trend is the development of a new sector of the economy consisting of
enterprises specialising in the production of environmental goods and services, and
the cleanup of environmental pollution - so-called "Eco-Industry". This rapidly ex-
panding industrial segment is at the same time an intersection for all three dimensions
of sustainable development: Eco-industry contributes to the economic development
of the country, generates new jobs, and helps to improve the quality of the environ-
ment.
Eco-industry was one of the most dynamic sectors of the EU’s economy in the 1990s.
It has an annual turnover of about 2.2% of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product. Eco-in-
dustry accounts for 1.7% of total paid employment in Europe or about 3.4 million
full-time job equivalents (more than sectors such as car manufacturing or pharmaceu-
ticals) [2].
The first analysis of eco-industry was realised in the Czech Republic [3]. It started
from the definition of eco-industry pursuant to OECD-Eurostat [4], and was limited –
as numerous foreign studies – to so-called „core industries“, i.e. CZ-NACE that can
be fully included in the definition of eco-industry [5]. Economic subjects belonging
to this sphere underwent - as did other Czech companies – a demanding process of
economic transformation after the year 1990, the aim of which was the transition
from a centrally planned to market economy. They particularly underwent the trans-
formation of their legal form. In 2004, the number of economic entities had increased
nearly six times in comparison with 1990, and since that time their number has
relatively stabilised [6].
The further described impact of the development of eco-industry on employment is

based on the results of a structural survey of companies, or the P-3-04 form. The
survey includes data provided by all companies having more than 100 employees,
and companies with 20-99 employees are included selectively. The analysis shows:
● The average number of employees in the core activities in eco-industry in the Czech
Republic increased by approx. 10% (to approx. 50,000 workers) from the year 2000
to 2006.
● The greatest growth in employment was found in NACE 90.00 (by 37% between
2000 and 2006). In the course of the last three years, more than 65% of workers in
this segment have been formed by persons active in the collection and removal of
28
waste, in waste disposal, people running waste collection centres and dump sites, etc.
Waste management in the Czech Republic is still a very labour-intensive sector. It
covers particularly activities consisting in collection and manual sorting of waste
materials, etc., jobs which do not require higher qualification, and are not well paid.
Nevertheless, these activities can play an important role in the re-introduction of
socially weaker persons into the work process. Though the percentage of industrial
waste liquidated by landfilling in the Czech Republic was reduced from 25% by
volume in 2000 to 18% by volume in 2006, as far as municipal waste is concerned,
80% of this waste is liquidated by landfilling [7]. The necessary development of more
sophisticated technologies in waste management can significantly modify the require-
ments for number of workers in this sector.
● A positive impact on the employment rate can be expected due to the increasing
interest of industrial companies in „outsourcing“ in water and waste management.
This trend, in which a company delegates the complete management of water utilisa-
tion services and waste management services to specialised companies, is starting to
be used also in the Czech Republic, which is reflected in the growth of the number
of economic subjects active in the sphere of required services.
● The average number of employees in the segment processing secondary raw
materials (NACE 37.00) increased by 18% between 2000 and 2006 (work prod-
uctivity derived from the book added value even increased by 70%). This sector has
a significant potential for further growth of employment, particularly due to the
pressure on the management of non-renewable raw materials, where principles of
sustainable development [8] should be applied. In the Czech Republic, cyclic proces-
sing in metal management has a steadily growing trend ranging from 15% to 20%. In
the Czech Republic, the material cycle is traditionally closed, particularly in the glass,
metallurgical and paper industries. Nevertheless, in accordance with the development
of manufacturing technologies in other industries (chemicals, rubber, and plastic pro-
ducing sectors, etc.), the abundance of substances is increasingly diversified and
wider. The weight of recycling in the Czech Republic is augmented by the fact that
certain domestic manufacturing sectors, particularly steel, cast iron, non-ferrous me-
tals, glass paper and some other processing industries are permanently dependant on
the products of the recycling of secondary raw materials. In the Czech Republic,
secondary raw materials are the only source of non-ferrous metals in the industrial
scale. It is true that the technological processes for secondary raw materials proces-
sing and treatment still fall behind when compared with the most developed coun-
tries, particularly in industrial applications of hydrometallurgy or biotechnologies.
The expected and necessary growth of the technological intensity of the recycling of
secondary raw materials will impose increased requirements not only on the number
of workers but also on their qualification at all levels of management [9].
● An ever increasing number of economic subjects in the Czech Republic satisfactori-

ly develop domestic and foreign activities in the sphere of the wholesale of waste
materials and scrap metals (NACE 51.57). In foreign trade activities – according to
customs statistics - the total financial volume of these operations exceeded CZK 21
billion in recent years. Total export of secondary raw materials from the Czech Re-
29
public has been steadily growing from the year 2000, and exceeds the volume and
rate of the growth of imports of comparable commodities [10].
● The slight decrease in employment in NACE 41 – water collection, treatment and

distribution is connected with the privatisation of Czech enterprises operating in this
sector, the entry of foreign capital and foreign management, and their efforts to ratio-
nalise operations.
● The skills profile of the eco-industry sector in the Czech Republic tends to be relati-
vely polarised: on the one hand, there are jobs, for example, in environmental con-
sulting or operating process-integrated technologies, which tend to be relatively high-
skill, and often go beyond the economy average. On the other hand, there are jobs, for
example, in waste collection and sorting, which tend to be relatively low-skill ones.
● The average wage in eco-industry is lower than the nationwide average, the highest
average wages are in NACE 41.00 – water collection, treatment and distribution“, the
average wage in NACE 90.00 is 15% lower.
The growing significance attributed to the environmental protection has been a cause
of an increasing focus of separate countries on trade in the goods that may contribute
to the environmental protection and efficient utilisation of natural resources. There-
fore, within the framework of co-operation between the Economics Institute of Acad-
emy of Sciences and J.E.Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, we carried out an
analysis of imports and exports of „environmental goods“ based on the list of these
goods pursuant to OECD-Eurostat [11], and covering the years 1993-2006. The fol-
lowing conclusions result from the analysis:
● The export of environmental goods continuously grew over the whole analyzed
period, and the most dramatic dynamics were observed in the last three years.
● Also, the import of environmental goods continually grew (except for a slight
swing in the year 2002). Nevertheless, this growth did not achieve the dynamics of
exports.
● The above-mentioned movement in EG exports and imports resulted in the lowest
adverse trade balance in the whole analyzed period of 14 years in 2005, and a
positive trade balance was achieved for the first time in 2006.
● In 2006, the share of the import of environmental goods reached 2.9 % of GDP,
and its share in total imports reached nearly 4.4%.
● The share of exports of environmental goods reached 3.0% of GDP in the year
2006, and its share in total exports amounted to nearly 4.5%.
● the overall dynamics of foreign trade in environmental goods are determined by
trade with developed countries, particularly with EU countries.
● The quite dominant position of Germany – both in imports and exports of EG –
makes the Czech Republic too dependent - on this market - on the prosperity and
business situation in Germany,
● A high degree of openness of the Czech Republic towards imports of EG has been
supported by fact, that an overwhelming majority of tariff lines on EG were subject to
30
duties of 5 % or less and that around 12 % of the tariff lines for EG were duty-free,
which was 4 times more than in EU. Currently the CR is member of EU and accept
EU’s duties also for EG.
Notes
[1] Prepared within the framework of grant no. IAA700850701 of The Grant Agency of the
Academy of Sciences of the CR, and grant no. 402/07/1580 of the Czech Science Foundation.
[2] See more „Facts and Figures – the links between the EU’s economy and environment“,
European Commission, 2007
[3] See Ritschelová, I., Tošovská, E., Farský, M. Vrtišková, L: Eco-industry in the Czech Republic,
Acta Universitatis Purkynianae 111, Ústí nad Labem, 2005
[4] See „The Environmental Goods and Services Industry – manual for data collection and analysis,
OECD, Eurostat, 1999
[5] Core industries include: NACE 25.12 – retreading and rebuilding of rubber tyres, 37.00 –
recycling of secondary raw materials, 41.00 – collection, purification and distribution of water,
51.57 – wholesale of waste and scrap, 90.00 – sewage and refuse disposal, sanitation and similar
activities.
[6] They are economic subjects having the given activity as their main one. If such activities are
carried out as a by-line or auxiliary activity, they are not included here.
[7] See www.env.cz
[8] It is also supported by national and European assistance provided for recycling activities, e.g.
support for the establishment of a centre for recovery of heavy metals from waste materials, support
for building rubble evaluation, precious metals recovery, etc.
[9] See „Panorama zpracovatelského průmyslu ČR 2006“, MPO, Praha 2007
[10] See „Panorama zpracovatelského průmyslu ČR 2006“, MPO, Praha 2007
[11] See „Environmental goods“ Illustrative categories with harmonized commodity description
and coding system (HS) commodity codes“, The Environmental Goods and Services Industry,
OECD, Eurostat 1999
31
Dynamic Modeling of Greenhouse Gas Reduction in Kosovo
Skender Kabashi and Sadik Bekteshi, University of Prishtina, Kosovo

Ivo Šlaus, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Aleksander Zidanšek, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
In modeling the Electricity Demand-Supply and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction

by usage of renewable energy in Kosovo, the autors used the STELLA software [1].
The most important source we use for demand forecast are data from KOSTT and
KEK [2], [3] and [4]. For the yearly demand forecast a distinction was made be-
tween: residential demand, heavy industrial and light industrial demand and service
demand. We have considered the year 2000 as initial condition for the demand-supply
forecast model of Kosovo. For electricity emission system we developped scenarios:
According to scenario 1, electric power is produced 95%-97% from lignite and only
3-5% from renewable resources for the time period 2000-2025. As a result we would
have an increase in emission of GHG.
According to scenario 2, the renewable energy would increase from the year 2015 to
the year 2025 from 8% to 14% of total energy production in Kosovo and the reduc-
tion of GHG emission would be up to 20% in comparison with the year 2005. Imple-
menting emission reduction policies and introducing new technologies in transporta-
tion, after the year 2015, a continual reduction in air pollution could take place,
whereas the CO2 output till to the year 2025 would be reduced by 25% in comparison
with the emission values of the year 2007. According to scenario 2, the renewable en-
ergy from the year 2012 to the year 2025 would be 20% of the total energy produc-
tion in Kosovo. Kosovo would thus accomplish the requirements of the Community
of Energy Treaty which demands that the energy needs should be fulfilled up to
10-12% from the renewable resources, until the year 2015.
Air pollution emission (NOx, SO2 and dust) would be significantly reduced, due to the
imposed standards of EU, which Kosovo has to apply starting from the year 2016.
Implementation of environmental policies and new environmentally friendly techno-

logies in the transportation and electric energy production sectors would be sustain-
able and increasingly environmentally compatible.
References
[1]STELLA. Copyright©1985-2007 by ISEE Systems, inc. www.iseesystems.com

[2] http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/energy.htm
[3]MEM (Ministry of Energy and Mining) https://www.ks-gov.net/mem
[4]http://www.epa.gov/otaq/greenhousegases.htm
[5]Miller, B. G, “Coal Energy Systems”, ©2005, Elsevier Inc.
[6]Loulou, R., Waaub, J. P, Zaccour, G., “Energy and Environment”. Springer 2005
32
Practical Problems Met with the Endeavors for Sustainable Development
Božidar Brudar
Slovenian Association for the Club of Rome, Ljubljana
Among different definitions of sustainability this is maybe one: If we are not ready to
give up our quality of life we are obliged to use the natural sources in the optimal
way to save them as much as possible for our followers. It is necessary to care for the
environment and to prevent pollution as much as possible. There are many practical
problems met and there are many endeavors for implementation of sustainable deve-
lopment. I will speak about my personal experience I met with two activities trying to
start with the sustainability in the field of industrial production.
One is the implementation of the IPPC Directive (Integrated Pollution Prevention and
Control). It is probably known that the EU has concluded that all the member states
must implement IPPC legislation. It means in practice that in some biggest industrial
companies the technological process must be modernized and the so-called BAT
(Best Available Techniques) must be introduced. In this way the demand for preserva-
tion of natural resources would be fulfilled and at the same time the impact on the
environment would be minimal. Since majority of our factories were obsolete a lot of
investment was necessary to reconstruct the technological processes in accordance
with the Directive. This was the reason why our companies became less competitive.
There were two additional problems identified. The first was the fact that the
implementation of the IPPC Directive was realized as unique action. However the EU
policy was that it should represent the start of a process that should be continued in
two directions:
● The BAT should be permanently modified according to the development of the
technology itself
● The restrictions to the emissions of pollutants into the environment should be
applied also for smaller companies in future.
All these activities could be effectively performed by technical experts and not by the
officials in the Ministry for environment.
The second activity following the sustainable development in broader sense was in
the acquiring the environmental permit for the new products. A plan for the environ-
mental care should be namely sent to the Environmental Agency of Slovenia together
with the assessment of the plan made by experts. The problem identified in this case
was that a small group of experts prepared such a plan together with the assessment
of the same plan.
The civil society does not trust the experimental results of quantitative values of
indicators being controlled in official laboratories even if they are also certified
internationally. The media are supporting their doubts. This is a very common
problem in new democracies that people do not trust any authority. They mean that it
33
is a part of democracy if the authorities could be neglected. In the media there are
often statements of well educated and internationally known technical experts com-
pared and equalized with the opinions of non-educated citizens.
A list of the richest people in Slovenia was published recently. The public opinion is
asking how they could get such huge capital in such a short time. The problem with
this capital is not just how it was acquired but in the fact that this capital was former-
ly state-owned or public-owned. Now it has come into the possession of some indi-
viduals who are not thinking how to invest it in Slovenia and taking into account all
demands concerning also principles of sustainable development. They just wish to
increase their capital by maybe exporting it to some exotic Cayman Islands or similar
country where the profit could be the highest and the taxes the lowest. This money is
more or less lost for Slovenia and would not be used to cover necessary expenses of
implementation of BAT in other fields of Slovenian economy.
There is also a problem of values if not already a crisis of values. If a distinguished

member of a democratic party in Slovenia says that it is the most important to follow
the profit then there is no space or only little space for sustainability. This crisis is
however not just typical for Slovenia. Remember the movie Fahrenheit 9-11. The
accusations in this movie had no consequences. Nothing happened also because of
recently published book describing cooperation between company IBM and Nazi of-
ficials during the Second World War who were collecting data about the Jews who
should be taken to concentration camps. The old Latin proverb says: "Panem et cir-
censes". The Olympic Games in China are the most important event nobody is talking
about environmental pollution or even thinking of it.
There are two general sad jokes still true. One is the joke about the truth. My personal
experience was that the real personally proven truth is not the real truth but the story
of a good lawyer before the court. If a lawyers is good it means that he is capable of
substantiate his truth. It holds also for the environmental indicators. The joke about
prostitutes is rough and it ends with the following conclusion: We all are prostitutes
there is only a question of money…Or with the other words: with a proper amount of
money anything can be achieved or proved.
For the conclusion: There is maybe some hope that the sustainable development
could be started successfully. The most important is a permanent and broad general e-
ducation of all people and age. The people have to get knowledge to understand what
the problem of sustainability is. They have to change their thinking and must start
doubting to everything what is said on TV (as I heard in an emission of Slovenian TV
yesterday). The values should be defined and their price should be given together
with all expected advantages and consequences if they are not respected. Media
should be found that are not that are not corruptively connected to centers of power.
Some of the problems of implementation of the philosophy of sustainable develop-
ment mentioned above could be avoided even if the whole atmosphere is not yet in
favor of sustainability.
34
Global Competitiveness - a European Perspective
Alessandro Lukan
Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
European competitiveness is one of the key strategy concepts, deciding, together with
some other parameters, between a future with a sustainable development and a final
breakdown, not only of Europe but also of all the humanity. Efforts to strengthen
European competitiveness should influence not only political decisions, but also the
economy, as well as the education system. Otherwise, Europe will become an unim-
portant part of Asia. We have to apply the same efforts worldwide; otherwise, we are
leading to the total collapse of all the world economy. Let us discuss the long-term
effects of the most important aspects of competition and competitiveness. We cannot
achieve a sustainable development exclusively on the European scale, but only on the
global scale.
Let us briefly review the successes and the challenges of the Lisbon strategy and the
concept of competition in promoting innovation, and convert this vision into practical
steps, in particular regarding the development paradigm after Lisbon. Unfortunately,
by simplifying our models even the indisputable facts are often misinterpreted. How-
ever, without an essential redesign of the strategy of the economy and of the educa-
tion system (also globally), we are moving towards the final crash after a foreseeable
troublesome future, instead of towards a sustainable development.
The development as we presently observe, in my view, is leading not towards a

sustainable state, but worldwide towards the final decline of economy and finally of
all societies. The meaning of ‘sustainable’ is not ‘constant without changes’, but ‘sta-
tionary’. Any growth will be automatically compensated through some reductions
elsewhere. We can avoid or at least limit to acceptable consequences a feedback of
unavoidable reductions only if being caused without an excessive growth.
The science and the religions disagree mostly but for one point, they agree: only
sustainable developments can subsist, still telling it in different ways:
● at begin was chaos, now the God (nobody knows how) decides...
● after big bang there was inflation, now all follow the (sometimes badly) known
laws of Nature...
For any sustainable development, the deviations of important parameters from their
basic values must not exceed the supportable tolerances. The parameter definitions
are not as clear as expected for physical functions. The basic values of parameters are
not constant but, as far as the living species are concerned, they do evolve in corre-
spondence with astronomical and ecological conditions. The precision of the observa-
tion is often not high enough to make an appropriate decision before we begin to feel
35
the consequences of a harmful action. The deviations are incomparably larger than
and not so strictly limited as for borrowing from the Dirac-sea but as in the quantum
theory we must not take account of only one parameter exclusively but always in-
clude all interfering facts. Close to the supportable tolerance limit, living species have
to fight against big troubles. After touching the limit, a decline gets unavoidable. To a
small surpass of the limit follows at least a breakup; to a huge surpass a complete
extinction.
Natural enemies and environmental conditions favor suitable gene-selection process-

es and regulate the population growth for almost all species. Any community without
enough enemies has to develop an autoregulation in form of some competition skills
for the selection to adapt his own population density to the environmental conditions
and to improve the biological properties. Very few species without enough enemies
did not develop an adequate autoregulation. Following an uncontrollable multiplica-
tion phase like grasshoppers, they cause devastation to their own environment or/and
resources. Facing food shortage, they undergo occasionally/periodically one crackup
after another. Eventually, without a suitable genetic selection in the end they face ine-
vitable extinction. So in general, in order to remain within their sustainable limits,
any group, not being selectively controlled from outside has to achieve a responsibili-
ty and morality high enough according to their own power.
Shamefully, the human history bears more similarity with the grasshoppers, than to
animals, pretending to have reached a level of responsibility and morality, corres-
ponding to their own power and independence. If humans do not develop the required
level of responsibility and morality, our species will not preserve for long.
Now, not only we do not have suitably high standards, we also appear to have double
standards as well. As an example, all the world is blaming USA for consuming to
much energy, but not, say, Asia and Africa for their backyard fires, which generate
more pollution than the USA industry, causing the melting of the Himalayan and Kili-
manjaro-ice, causing in turn the long-lasting draughts and desertification in both Afri-
ca and Asia. Similarly, all the Europe is blaming Germany for their coalmines, but not
China, where more coal burns below the earth than Germany exploits. Actually, with
those underground fires only, China generates much more pollution than any industri-
al country.
In the past, all civilizations have declined after they have cut down all the surround-
ing trees. Today, the deforestation is global and we are still far from being able to fly
to a convenient other planet!
Until recently, the tragical consequences of the uncontrolled development were

limited to the population of only some countries, but the troubles are starting to grow
and spread globally. The only possibility for the human race to survive is the self-
restriction to a sustainable development, observing the limited »commons« and the
supportable tolerances for the excursions of relevant parameters from their acceptable
36
stable values. By further destroying the forests, consuming too much under priced
energy-sources and a harmful nutrition production, we are getting ever close to a
maximal possible excursion over a sustainable level for long duration.
Bertold Brecht gave a definition of the human attitude as “Halb auf dem Baum”.
Though, we are not stupid monkeys; if we
● worship a behavior controlled by our reason,

● preserve a minimal amount of self-respect and dignity,
● develop a responsibility and moral standards, according to our power.
All calculations how many people the Earth can support are absurd. Actually now, in
spite of most people suffering malnutrition, the oceans and sees got overexploited al-
ready; steppes created by over-cultivation, transformation of woods into steppes, de-
generation of over-cultivated rural area into steppes and finally into real or for water-
manage effective deserts, including all buildings roads and so on, progressively harm
not only the local moreover the global climate.
As observed by isotope investigations of ice-cores from Antarctica the first anthropo-

genic global shock with methane arrived about 5000 years ago through wet rice fields
in south east Asia and the second one with also other pollutions about 2000 years ago
through deforestation for agriculture. Can we survive the third one, starting now,
without a reversal of desertification and demographic explosion? Consequently, with-
out a severe restriction of total population the mean standard will drop down to a
much lower level than now. Only through a reduction of the total population, we can
avoid a direct total breakdown or an essential lowering of the mean standard, which
would induce through the nonacceptance a following total crackup.
It is an imperative to accept the same ecological norms worldwide, which in undeve-

loped countries will be, certainly, very difficult to accept. Thus it will be difficult to
avoid the economical wars (hopefully only those, in form of boycotts, high import
taxes, immigration restriction and so on) against those countries, not willing or ready
to conform the strict ecological standards and the growth of their population, similar
to the already imposed in China. Importation of young people from underdeveloped
countries to the developed does not resolve any problem neither for emigration nor
for immigration countries.
These concerned worries should not be understood as an onslaught against the

underdeveloped countries, on the contrary: it is a duty of the economically and milita-
ry strong ‘developed’ states to help the underdeveloped countries to establish a res-
ponsible and morally fair system in accordance with their abilities. As the first postu-
late, we must avoid to destroy the woods and traditional agriculture to produce bio-
fuel, genetically modified vegetables and so on without respecting the concerns of all
the parties involved. Finally, the ‘developed’ world is sponsoring almost all ecologi-
cal crimes of underdeveloped countries.
37
Social Capital – the Bridge Between Competition and Cooperation
Ernst Gehmacher
Austrian Chapter of the Club of Rome, Vienna
Cooperation and Competition are necessary elements of social systems. The size and
the balance of these two dimensions determine the efficiency of economic and politi-
cal communities and societies. Higher developed and larger regions - from local to
global - need more cooperation, more connected enterprises, more market regulations
and public control, but as an equivalent more competition in free markets and democ-
racy.
Cooperation ensures reliability and mutual trust, steady growth and sustainability.
Competition lowers prices and promotes innovation. Up to a degree. Too much and
unilateral, both virtues are becoming sins. Cooperation, overgrowing into monopolies
and superpower, kills initiative and flexibility, numbs sensitivity and creativity. Com-
petition, favouring the clever and the quick, enriching the successful and defeating
the unlucky, enhances inequality und conflict, explodes despair and anger.
The optimal balance is difficult to find - and to keep. History shows, that again and
again cultures and governments of extreme enforced cooperation changed with free
and liberal competition cultures. Democratic rules alternated with godlike emperors.
Such oscillations tend to run in long cycles - partly the product of the social tendency
to pursue single minded interests and norms without correction and adaptation, partly
the consequence of steady innovation, resistance and revolt in the progress of cultural
evolution. But it must be understood that there are strong social forces drawing socie-
ties into either direction.
Every social body, small or large, endeavours to build up unity within, by a natural
instinct of identification, by developing in-group-patriotism in defence against for-
eigners which has the effect to maximise within-cohesion (“bonding-social-capital”)
and to kindle outside-competition. When such strictly bound-up societies fail in effi-
ciency they try to use their superior cooperation to win in their outside-competition,
building up power, and to weaken or destroy competition within. Finally the may fail,
decline and become superseded by stronger cultures with more and broader competi-
tion, which is upheld by a stronger civic culture. The cycle begins anew.
Cultures keeping up an efficient balance between centralising cooperation and well

regulated competition have a long life in high well-being. Such success might be
easier in smaller societies, like Switzerland or Norway, than in large empires and a
challenge on a global scale. Humanity is threatened by catastrophes of all kinds, if it
does not succeed to pursue a steady balance by a reliable monitoring of the social
equilibrium between honest cooperation and non-aggressive competition.
Late, but perhaps just in time, the new scientific technique of “social capital action
38
research” might ease the problem of balancing the two opposing elements.
The social sciences, urged on by global organisations as World Bank and OECD, are
developing instrumental theories and measuring techniques to grasp and gauge the
natural forces of social cohesion, within and between social entities. Perfected and
widely adopted, social capital statistics and trend analyses correlated with indicators
of economic and welfare growth (and decrease) could allow a more precise balancing
of cooperation and competition.
But even with full knowledge of the optimal mix, to maximise benevolent effects,
social norms for fair competition and trust in honest cooperation would be necessary:
flexible democratic laws and widely accepted ethical rules, a coordinated world order
bridging the cultural cleavages. If this succeeds, mankind enters a new era of peaceful
self-regulation by a wide network of democratic institutions, connecting in many
steps the primary groups of community life to the global organisations responsible to
mankind. The peaceful solving of conflicts and the balancing of cooperation and
competition will be based on reliable and objective indicators of economic success,
general health and welfare as well as egalitarian personal happiness. Sounds like the
eternal human dream of paradise on earth. However, some progress in this direction
is undeniable.
The multi-level network of democratic organisations up to the continental and global

organisations exists and works - if not perfectly, so tolerably well. The embittered
ideological conflict between the idolatry of cooperation in communism and of com-
petition in liberalism is superseded by different mixtures of policies trying to hit the
optimum.Welfare states have been quite efficient in producing and distributing wealth
and health in a balance between public justice and private initiative.
And last not least, new NGOs preach the new gospel of the technics-nature-equilibri-
um - an outstanding example is the Club of Rome with its future model “Limits to
Growth”.
It is true, measurement and evaluation have been, up to now, concentrated on money

values and “hard fact” statistics. Thus, progress and private as well as public strat-
egies are strongly slanted and biased in the economic direction. This is changing. The
historically still young exact (measuring and modelling) social sciences are providing
more and more theories and instruments for the broad use to assess and evaluate
quickly and reliably success and failure in economic, political and social action.
It may not be entirely unreasonable to hope that soon the turning point will be
reached to a coordinated local-to-global balancing of complex social and natural sys-
tems. The equilibrium between high cooperation and efficient competition, the
amount of “cooperation in competition (COINCO) might become the leading coin in
a new “bio-socio-economic growth” concept.
39
Innovation Culture and Social Capital – Some Theses for Discussion
Jasminka Lažnjak
Innovation studies deal with empirical and theoretical analysis which should help to
understand the nature, origin and societal influence on technological change. Linear
model of innovation has been abandoned as obsolete as new models, like SCOT –
Social construction of technology and evolutionary economy have been introduced
that emphasizes socio-cultural factors in shaping and directing technological change.
Innovation has become endogenous and evolutive, conditioned by social and instituti-
onal context.
How important is the role of innovation supportive culture for innovation on the level
of society as at the level of organization? Is it possible to delineate which type of cul-
ture is supportive and which type is hindering factor for innovation?
Culture is the pattern of arrangement or behavior adopted by the society or the group
as accepted way of solving problems, culture is “blueprint for life”. It includes all the
institutionalized ways and all the implicit beliefs, norms and values. Important part of
culture is institutions (informal, long lasting clusters of norms, values and believes
reproduced by socialization) and social and human capital. Social capital (set of actu-
al and potential resources which a group or social network can mobilize through its
members) is conceptualized as trust (in institutions and interpersonal relations), coo-
perativeness etc.
Innovation culture is usually understood in terms of institutions (norms, values, form-

al/informal institutions) which significantly influence how actors involved in the pro-
cess of innovation perceive economic and technical challenges and how it provides
the strategies to cope with them. It implies norms and values like attitudes toward in-
novation, technology, entrepreneurial activities, business, uncertainty avoidance, indi-
vidualism, long-term or short-term orientation, and power distance. In empirial stu-
dies it is analyzed through concepts of national culture and social capital.
Existing cultural conditions determine when, how and in what form innovation will
be adopted. In the culture where behavior, ideas, attitudes and “technological base”
that are congruent with innovation are already present - the possibility to adopt the
innovation is higher. Higher innovation capacity, according to several international
comparative surveys, is associated with societies characterized by higher individual-
ism, willingness to take risks, readiness to accept change, long-term orientation, low
power distance, weak uncertainty avoidance, opennes to new information, value of
education to society, positive attitudes toward science, religion, and early adopters
(innovators are early adopters the other way round).
On the level of organization to become innovative requires culture which nurtures

innovation and is conducive to creativity. Reductionist approach simply identifies in-
40
novation with higher R&D expenditure. But definition of innovation also includes
problem solving; the ability to see a need and think creatively how that need might be
met in a better way.
Characteristics of highly innovative organization are: awareness, intense motivation,

a surfeit of skills and competence and supportive infrastructure. Innovation is enhan-
ced by organic (flexible, non- hierarchical, informal, participative) structures rather
than mechanic rigid, bureaucratic, hierarchical) structures and increased by use of hi-
ghly participative structures and cultures.
On the individual level personality traits for innovation are: experience, broad
interests, attraction to complexity, high energy, independence of judgment, intuition,
self-confidence, and ability to accommodate opposites, firm sense of self as creative,
curiosity, and intellectual honesty. Personal motivational factors affecting innovation
are: intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, challenging individuals, skills and knowl-
edge.
Concluding Remarks
Transition and post communist countries are among those with low innovation
capacity and suffer from social capital deficit. They are burdened by traditional and
socialistic values dysfunctional for innovation, such as statism, collectivism, and
cooperativeness deficiency, low trust in the institutions, state paternalism and oppor-
tunism. Norms and values associated with innovation culture along with highly deve-
loped social capital are not predominant value system in these countries. It is widely
recognized that social capital works as catalyst for disseminating human and intellec-
tual capital. As social networks it can be used to provide principles of trust and readi-
ness to cooperate and also to facilitate transfer and dissemination knowledge and in-
novations.
How can we change the state of the art? How to develop institutions (values and
norms) that are functional for innovation culture and suppress dysfunctional? Formal
and informal institutions mutually interact in such a way that informal shape formal
institutions, they can enable or hinder changes. Formal institutions can help in perse-
vering of informal ones but they can initiate their change by sanctions. Values deter-
mine the behavior through structures (economical, political, and social) in which they
are embodied. Creation of new structures should follow development of new values.
Nevertheless, culture has multiple elements which may strengthen or hinder innova-
tion tendencies. It would be incorrect and potentially dangerous to analyze culture
isolated from the context and by this way identify one type as the only model for
innovative organization. There is more than one satisfactory combination of cultural
elements that leads to innovation successfully.
41
A World Demographic and Social Revolution - Lenghtening of the Life Cycle
Prof. Dr. Orio Giarini

Risk Institute, Member of the Club of Rome
It would seem obvious that those societies which will best value the human capital
accumulation available from their over 60s population, will have a decisive advant-
age, now and more and more in the coming years and decades. At the beginning of
the Club of Rome, the issue of the world population has been at the center of the
“world problematique”. We add here some considerations on the issue of “ageing”.
A recent study of the United Nations indicates that in the year 2050, the world popu-
lation will include almost two billions people over 60 years of age, corresponding to
about 22% of the total. The majority will live in those countries we define today as
developing.
Keeping this figure in mind, we propose here a number of key considerations :
● the lengthening of the life cycle is a unique revolutionary phenomenon, having a

profound impact on contemporary and future societies. It concerns the social, politi-
cal and economic institutions in a far deeper sense that it is still commonly perceived;
● people in older age, over 60, 70 and 80 have always existed. But they were special
cases representing a minute minority. Now the lengthening of the life cycle concerns
the majority of the population. It is a mass phenomenon. An analogy can be found in
the economic history of the industrialized countries: from the beginning of the twenti-
eth century, the poors (and the illiterate) have become a minority after having been
for centuries a majority;
● the lengthening of the life cycle is a world wide phenomenon. From the “older” in-
dustrialized countries it is extending to the large majority of communities, every-
where. The contribution from the developing and industrializing countries to the
“over 60” population in the world will be determinant and overwhelming ;
● the lengthening of the life cycle is often presented (wrongly) as the problem of
“ageing of population “, and as such as an indication of decay of the industrialized
world: in fact, the “older” countries have the great advantage to both offer a longer
(and better) life to their citizens and to advance in the delicate social, economic and
political adaptations required by the new demographic reality. Such problems and ex-
periences will concern more and more the rest of the world ;
● what is really ageing is the notion of older age itself. Taking into consideration the
ability of each individual to be autonomous (in physical and/or mental terms), many
studies and surveys indicate that in the average a 60 or even a 80 years old person of
42
today, correspond to a person about 15/20 years younger living one century and more
ago. Statistics based not on age but on capacity to perform, indicate in fact that in
many countries, the population is not “ageing” but “rejuvenating”. In fact we live in a
“Counter-ageing society”;
● the lengthening of the life cycle is clearly the result of economic and social advan-
ces strictly linked to the scientific and technological advances: biology, medicine,
health control, nano technologies, nuclear applications, communication, instrumenta-
tions etc. are all producing now almost every year significant advances for the human
body and main maintenance;
● the lengthening of the life cycle, in all its aspects, is then clearly the fundamental
issue to keep in mind discussing social policies
● the lengthening of the life cycle implies of course to redefine the period of the
ACTIVE life: many studies and statistics of the WHO (World Health Organization),
among others, are devoted to this issue .
● active life should be considered in two different categories: remunerated work on

one side and unpaid or benevolent activities on the other. In fact the two are comple-
mentary, and this more and more in the post-industrial Service economy;
- concerning remunerated work and employment, the lengthening of the life cycle
implies the open possibility (and in many instances the necessity) for extending the
retirement age. At the time of the first provisions for retirement, these were fixed at
the average age of death. Today, at the age of retirement, in many countries, life ex-
pectancy tend to reach 15 to 20 years;
● satisfactory employment , based on adequate formation and education systems (in-

cluding preparing to change type of jobs according to age conditions), is in a majority
of cases the condition to have a healthier life;
● at the basis of this : enhance the HUMAN CAPITAL at all ages;
● it is very important to consider and promote part-time employment as a basic ele-

ment for a well balanced social security system: among others, it is an important issue
for all those working over 60 and 65. As it happens in some northern European coun-
tries, part time pensions will be more and more coupled with partial work. Important
are also the gradual retirement plans and the perspective of the “four pillars system”
(see on this www.genevaassociation.org), based on the three pillars of the Swiss sys-
tem plus the fourth pillar referred to the partial employment;
● health improvement are necessarily based on a great increase in costs: one could die
almost for free in a not so long past, and one has to pay for possibility to control, eli-
minate or reduce the effects of all sorts of illnesses or accidents. We spend already a
43
lot of money to buy and use an automobile which allows us to move (sometimes) fas-
ter: we will probably one day spend even more for our health maintenance, which
allows us to live and move;
● from an economic point of view, retirement and health costs, imply to building of
financial capabilities, under the form of redistribution (de facto: fiscal systems) and
under the form of savings (or reserves). We have here to do with nothing less than a
new definition of the notion of Capital (its building and utilisation) in the post-indus-
trial Service economy;
● another very important issue on which to invest research capabilities in the one or
two decades, is the reconsideration of the measurements which refer to the “Wealth
of Nations” and from which to derive the most appropriate references for better wel-
fare policies. In the Service economy, not all the “value added” measures indicate an
increase in the level of wealth (for instance the costs to cope with pollution), whereas
many developments in service functions and performances (for instance in the case of
many communication systems) add to real wealth much more than usual value added
references indicate. In particular the notion of productivity , in a Service economy, is
much more relevant with reference to performance in time (hence in a probabilistic
system) than to the production factors costs (in an equilibrium based system). But all
this is linked to progress in economics as a discipline, and to its integration with en-
vironmental issues (which also pretend to solve the problems of the “Wealth of
Nations”, on the base of their “sustainability“).
Notes
Most of the issues introduced in this summary are dealt in THE EUROPEAN PAPERS ON THE
NEW WELFARE (Quaderni Europei sul Nuovo Welfare): issues 1, 4, 6 , 8 and 9 in English and
issues 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 in Italian. They are fully and freely available on : www.newwelfare.org
44
Environmental Education for Competitiveness and Sustainability
Prof. Agni Vlavianos Arvanitis

Biopolitics International Organisation, Hellenic Chapter of the Club of Rome
Education for a global responsibility
Education is one of the most effective catalysts for change. To promote innovation for
sustainable development in Europe and to convert this vision into practical steps and
a successful development paradigm, we need to avoid the mistakes of the past and
create a society which respects and supports the environment and all living beings on
the planet. Education for competitiveness and sustainability can bring about the nec-
essary awareness and action to achieve economic and social development with a view
to the future, by promoting:
● environmental values and bioethics in every academic discipline

● a new concept of “profit”, where the environment, culture, education, and quality
of life are considered a priority
● a truly civil society where people and organizations everywhere are inspired to
respond to the urgency of protecting the environment and life on our planet
This is the essence of the concept of “bio-education”, as proposed by the Biopolitics

International Organisation (B.I.O.) since its inception in 1985, and the mission of the
International University for the Bio-Environment (I.U.B.E.), founded by B.I.O. in
1990 to infuse educational institutions and their graduates with life-supporting values
and to encourage a greater environmental awareness in all academic disciplines.
The essence of bio-education
With the advent of globalisation, a major change in economic, social and educational
priorities is shaping world views and ways of life and is creating new challenges for
humanity. To meet these challenges, education requires a radical shift away from
intra-disciplinary entrenchment and into creative and thoughtful action for the
development of the highest potential of each individual for the benefit of the world
and future generations. The purpose and responsibility of bio-education is to uplift
the spirit of humanity by focusing on the importance of protecting bios, all life on our
planet. By providing interdisciplinary models with the environment at the core of
every specialty, bio-education seeks to apply environmental appreciation and preser-
vation to every human endeavour.
The understanding of changing environmental circumstances and of the fluidity of the

concept of environmental protection requires the development of a critical apprecia-
tion of the numerous influences affecting the interactions between humanity and the
environment. Environmental pollution is an international problem and a matter of vi-
45
tal importance for all. Concern over environmental questions is an international task,
particularly for highly developed, industrialized countries. We must acknowledge our
individual and social responsibilities and the fact that environmental protection invol-
ves confronting conflicting interests. There is a need to balance environmental and
economic priorities in order to achieve safe and just global management. Bio-edu-
cation consolidates awareness of the importance of incorporating the environment in
every human endeavour and enables the realization of the interdisciplinary nature of
environmental protection.
Stressing the international character of environmental problems and the multifaceted

nature of the environment is a priority in bio-education. The environment is an inte-
grating concept referring to the sensitivity, experience and culture of each member of
society. Environmental quality and quality of life are inextricably linked. Human
rights violations, disease, hunger, lack of safe water resources and poverty are more
common in areas of severe environmental abuse. Health problems linked to the en-
vironment, food subsistence and access to culture and general welfare, including se-
curity and peace, are some of the challenges to be faced by bio-education.
Given the complexity and the various levels of relationships with society as a whole,
a bio-education can operate on several levels. Educational institutions should there-
fore be encouraged to devise their own bio-education profiles, based on their
strengths and the overall focus of their activities. The non-exclusive approach of bio-
education is an opportunity to lift the barriers separating different disciplines and to
offer a well-rounded education which is not hampered by overspecialisation. New
programs and curricula should be designed with this in mind, with the necessary ad-
justments in timetables and agendas. The promotion of bio-education in business,
public administration and government should also be emphasized. Programs for voca-
tional training and seminars for decision-makers are absolutely necessary if environ-
mental awareness is to lead to innovation, and to produce competitiveness and action.
The International University for the Bio-Environment (I.U.B.E.)
Launched by B.I.O. in 1990, the International University for the Bio-Environment

(I.U.B.E.) actions the B.I.O. belief that education is the key to enlightening students
and teachers in all academic areas to become environmentally conscious and respon-
sible world citizens. It is a truly “universal” initiative, encompassing all educational
levels, set up with an ambitious but happening agenda to act as a catalyst and to
vaccinate every human endeavour with a love of the environment and to impart this
message to students, training professionals and decision-makers around the world.
Fighting the trend towards over-specialization, the I.U.B.E. seeks to open up all areas
of study and training to an appreciation of life on our planet. The aim is for the
I.U.B.E. to become a think-tank for the development of multidisciplinary environ-
mental concepts, beyond the confines of conventional environmental science, leading
to a revised educational system with a worldwide impact. Major goals of the I.U.B.E.
include:
46
● international educational reforms and the promotion of an efficient global bio-
education with the use of the Internet and satellites
● the development of a comprehensive Bio-Syllabus for every educational level
showing how environmental concepts apply to all academic areas
● international cooperation in environmental protection leading to a new era of bio-
diplomacy and environmental security
● international legislation on human obligations towards the environment
● the re-evaluation of business and management concepts and the development of
new economic strategies compatible with environmental preservation
● an international campaign for Environmental Olympics and the award of Bios
Prizes to those who have contributed to the preservation and appreciation of the
environment
● an electronic World Referendum for every citizen on the planet to simultaneously
cast a vote for the environment and to declare their willingness to safeguard the
continuity of life
● a Green Salary for the unemployed to create jobs that also improve the
environment
● a global bio-assessment of technology, to ensure technological and economic
progress that support the environment, and to reduce negative environmental
impact, so as to truly benefit from the contributions of technological
breakthroughs.
In the digital age, the tools provided by technology can make knowledge accessible
to virtually every citizen on the planet. Online educational projects and e-learning are
a vital component of the activities of the I.U.B.E., along with extensive publishing (in
print and electronically), lectures, seminars and awareness raising events. In this con-
text, the I.U.B.E. has placed a wealth of educational material and resources online,
and offers a broad range of e-learning courses promoting pioneering dimensions in
fields such as architecture, technology, waste management, tourism, ethics, health, le-
gislation, history, diplomacy, and economics. Detailed information on this and other
I.U.B.E. programmes is available at www.biopolitics.gr and
http://elearning.biopolitics.gr/
Achieving sustainable development on a European and global scale
Humanity is experiencing a serious crisis in values that has led to an unprecedented

rate of environmental degradation and abuse. This is why there is a pressing need to
motivate every member of society towards the conservation of the environment and
the fulfilment of a better life for all. Time is running out, and the participation and
active engagement of all stakeholders is essential in order to integrate sustainable
development into our economies. We urgently need a new approach, creating favour-
able conditions in which the valuable knowledge gained can be utilized in the service
of our planet’s future before it is too late. This requires political will and public deter-
mination for well-designed policies that can secure the well-being and survival of fu-
ture generations and help to achieve sustainable development.
47
Environmental education through the International University for the Bio-Environ-
ment, public participation in the form of a World Referendum to save the environ-
ment, awareness-raising and the involvement and mobilization of individuals from all
walks of life, are just some initiatives that can help to strengthen competitiveness and
to influence political decisions related to the economy, as well as the educational sys-
tem. Employment in new fields that do not create waste and do not pollute is a crucial
strategy in this endeavour, and we have to educate a workforce that can reach beyond
the short-term needs of today’s industry in order to enhance sustainable development.
From Prime Minister to street-cleaner, all jobs need to place the protection of the en-
vironment as a priority. We need to draw from existing positive examples and expand
along this line of thinking and action by applying the energy of the young, combined
with the experience of senior citizens, to create positive examples for the future and
to increase long-term competitiveness and innovation on both a European and a glo-
bal scale.
References
Vlavianos-Arvanitis (1985) Biopolitics – Dimensions of Biology, 16 pp. Biopolitics International

Organisation, Athens
Vlavianos-Arvanitis (1989) Biopolitics – The Bios Theory. In: A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (ed.),

Biopolitics – the bio-environment II. Biopolitics International Organisation, Athens, pp. 17-31
A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (1992) Bio-Diplomacy. In: A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Biopolitics – the Bio-

Environment – Bio-Syllabus. Biopolitics International Organisation, Athens, pp. 90-94
A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (1993) Bios in the next millennium. Reversing the crisis of values. In: A.
Vlavianos-Arvanitis and R. Keles (eds.), Biopolitics – the bio-environment IV. Biopolitics
International Organisation, Athens, pp. 18-28
A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (1996) The bio-environment – bio-culture. Bio-peace for the next

millennium. In: A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (ed.), Biopolitics – the bio-environment V. Biopolitics
International Organisation, Athens, pp. 51-66
A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (Ed.) (2001) Biopolitics – the Bio-Environment – Volume VIII pp. 41-149,
202-205. Biopolitics International Organisation, Athens
A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (Ed.) (2002) Bio-Syllabus for European Environmental Education 880 pp.
Biopolitics International Organisation, Athens
48
Education for Competitiveness and/or Competitive Education
Prof. Dr. Ivo Šlaus

Croatian Association of the Club of Rome, South-East European Division of WAAS
Spoiling youth has been considered one of three most deplorable sins in ancient
China. For what one should educate? and how? The goal of the EU is to become the
sustainable knowledge-based society in less than two decades, and to become the
competitive knowledge-based economy by 2010. Should one educate for knowledge-
based economy, or for sustainable knowledge-based society? To answer these ques-
tions one needs to define the concepts of knowledge, economy and governance - the
three intertwining pillars of the sustainable knowledge-based society, and the values
on which each one of them is based.
Knowledge includes science, humanities and technologies, R&D, inventions and

innovations, education - all forming the culture of knowledge. One measures
development of knowledge with various indicators. It is important to stress that most
indicators we now use are far from satisfactory. The totality of all of them provides
some insight into the status of knowledge for a given society. Various studies and opi-
nion polls indicate that science is the humanity's greatest success. Breakthrough
discoveries increase the Pareto maximum (level when all win-win games are exhaust-
ed). Breakthrough discoveries can be generated by curiosity-driven research, but also
by applied research, as the discovery of the Big Bang demonstrates. On the other
hand, the curiosity-driven research led to the discovery of electromagnetic induction
and the x-rays - the two most applied inventions.
Economy includes production and consumption, agriculture, industry, services, and

self-services, employment and competitiveness. Indicators of the economic develop-
ment are even less reliable, as demonstrated by shortcomings of the concept of GDP/
capita, and various improvements like purchasing power parity (GDPPPP), human de-
velopment index (HDI), genuine progress indicator (GPI) and various disaggregated
indicators. Recently, it has been realized that cooperation and competitiveness contri-
bute to the economic development and a new word is coined: coopetitiveness =
cooperation + competitiveness, just as A. Toffler merged producer and consumer into
prosumer.
Governance includes structures, systems and bureaucracy, rule of law, policy-making

and decision-making. Knowledge, economy and governance could be considered seg-
ments of the culture, but it would be also useful to treat culture as an independent
variable, or at least to single-out a specific aspect of the culture to be treated as an
independent variable. One such segment is religion. Of course, religion can be consi-
dered an independent variable in itself.
Intertwining among knowledge, economy and governance through networking

involving researchers, politicians, policy-makers, decision-makers, entrepreneurs,
49
workers, share-holders and stake-holders, as well as institutions is the essential aspect
of the realization of the knowledge-based society. The assessment of the intertwining
among knowledge, economy and governance is even much less understood than the
assessment of individual parts. The education has to include the education for special
disciplines, but also for the global, interconnected world since “as never before the
future of each one of us depends on the good of all” as stated by the Nobel laureates
in 2000. The education has also to include the development of the intertwining
among knowledge, economy and governance realizing that knowledge is an inex-
haustible resource and that human beings are the creators and depositors of knowl-
edge. Therefore, “people are the real wealth of nations. The basic aim of development
is to enlarge human freedom and choices so that people live full and creative lives.
This must benefit everybody equitably” (The State of Human Development, Human
development indicators, 2004, p.127, UNDP). We should add: people - healthy,
educated, active and happy, living in a society of social justice and social cohesion in
a healthy environment assuring sustainable development.
Opinion poll by Gallup in May 2005 involving over 50,000 persons from 65 coun-
tries in six continents and representative of the opinion of over 1.4 billion persons
indicated that 68% think that their country is not governed by the will of the people,
that the majority does not trust either their parliaments and their legal systems, or na-
tional and transnational companies; 61% consider political elite to be dishonest and
49% think that they are incompetent. The business elite is rated somewhat better, but
still 23% think they are incompetent and 40% consider them dishonest. On the con-
trary, more than 60% trust their education system and similar data are for R&D and
NGOs, and unfortunately for the military. It would be natural that the intertwining of
knowledge, economy and governance leads toward a system based on the values of
science. However, the opposite is happening: anti-intellectual climate, a lot of bad
science. Lisenko phenomenon is one such example. At the recent meeting of various
CEOs and generals one of them boasted that he has a group of excellent, intelligent
experts who do not think. D.S. Greenberg wrote a book “Science for Sale: The Perils,
Reward and Delusion of Campus Capitalism” (Univ of Chicago Press, 2007). The ad-
vice how to reverse this trend was given more than a decade ago by S. Strömholm,
president of Academia Europaea: “University has a mission and a responsibility
which goes far beyond the task of providing industry with efficient employees, mar-
ketable ideas or science-based solutions... The mission is to produce mature, indepen-
dent, critical and responsible personalities, who are not tools in the service of Church,
State, party, business or trade unions.”
The value systems of economy (e.g. profit), governance and politics (e.g. art of
possible and political power) do differ from those of science (problem solving, curio-
sity) on the first level, but on a higher level all of these systems, just like culture in
general, have one basic value: human being and humanity. We argue that it would be
prudent that in the current process of intertwining among knowledge, economy and
governance more of the first level values of knowledge penetrate into economy and
governance, and much less of economy and governance values into science.
50
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Europe After Lisbon

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Europe After Lisbon

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Europe After Lisbon

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Aleksander Zidanšek, Thomas Schauer

Ljubljana / Vienna 2008

Opening of the Conference 6

The Lisbon Strategy and Sustainable Consumption and Production 7

Transforming Europe to a Competitive Low Carbon Society - Why Not ? 10

Microbiologically Produced Hydrogen as Energy Source 18

Drinking Water Conditioning with Ecoremediation (ERM) 21

Qualitative Transformation into a Knowledge-Based Economy and Society 23

Impact of Eco-Industry Development in the Czech Republic 28

Dynamic Modeling of Greenhouse Gas Reduction in Kosovo 32

Practical Problems Met with the Endeavors for Sustainable Development 33

Global Competitiveness - a European Perspective 35

Social Capital – the Bridge Between Competition and Cooperation 38

Innovation Culture and Social Capital – Some Theses for Discussion 40

A World Demographic and Social Revolution, Lenghtening of the Life Cycle 42

Environmental Education for Competitiveness and Sustainability 45

Education for Competitiveness and/or Competitive Education 49

Knowledge for Sustainability: Competitiveness and Eco-Innovation: Europe is com-

The Age of Innovation and the Age of Innovators:

Education for Competitiveness or / and Competitive Education: Education should be

Aleksander Zidanšek, Thomas Schauer

The conference "Europe after Lisbon" is devoted to long-term aspects of

Slovenian EU Presidency is committed to a successful launching of the new Lisbon

Slovenia has therefore accepted a National Research Programme, where targets

It is my pleasure to welcome researchers from several European countries, members

There is an ample potential in creating new industries in the sector of renewable

● energy supply relying on energy efficiency combined with renewable energy

The consumers need to have an opportunity to purchase products that correspond to

● Recent European LOHAS study shows that in comparison to the Americans

● Eco industries already represent a significant and quickly growing portion of EU

This is an economic as well as moral imperative as the financial and environmental

What do we have to change?

Which way to go?

Where are the biggest problems?

Share Share Change Factor

Table 1: Needed reductions of GHG for different types of emissions

Do we have the sustainable conversion technologies?

Change of energy system

Transition to low carbon energy system

The promoted hydrogen economy is in this scenario included with hydrogen as an

Is there another way for the EU to become LCS?

Power from Africa for Europe?

Solar power conversion technologies

Sustainable electricity supply proposal for LCS in EU

Based on previous explanation of different technologies we propose to produce large

Conclusions for the first part of solution:

Total: 100% 20203 kt CO2 6061 kt CO2 - 30%

Table 2: CO2 emissions in 1990 (as starting point) in Slovenia

Heat conversion and others

1. Thermal insulation of buildings (thermal insulation free of charge – subsidizing

New technologies proposed for low carbon society in Slovenia:

1. P. Novak: Energy and UNO - how to synergy?, Slovenian. EGES, 03-2007;

Hydrogen: a promising energy source

The ability of N2 fixation by photoheterotrophic bacteria or (heterocystous) cyano-

A bioreactor is a vessel in which is carried out a chemical process which involves

Advantage of wastewater treatment as well as production and usage of hydrogen as a

Ana Vovk Korže (Univ. of Maribor, Int. Center for Ecoremediation)

Ecoremediation methods include different bioremediation and phytoremediation me-

With ecoremediation methods (ERM), which combine bioremediations, phyto-

The main problem in newly independed states is microbiological contamination of

POROČILO O IZVAJANJU RAZISKOVALNO – RAZVOJNEGA PROJEKTA CENTRA