DWIH focus topic 2021 - Society in transition: impacts of the pandemic
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In 2021, the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH) will be addressing the consequences of the corona pandemic and giving a wide range of specialist and international impetus.
What impact is coronavirus having on globalisation? How will the pandemic affect business exchange and extensive networking in the long term? The consequences of the corona crisis can be felt in virtually all areas of private and public life. At the same time, the pandemic is emphasising the value of international exchange, science and innovative capacity.
Developing and distributing a vaccine is only the most obvious of the challenges. The pandemic is raising fundamental questions about new approaches to economic growth, about innovations in urban development and mobility, and about sustainable agriculture and food production. This exceptional global situation is also prompting a rethinking of what is crucial for social cohesion and dialogue between science, business and politics.
The corona pandemic in focus for the DWIH network
Highlighting the annual focus topic for 2021, which is “Society in transition: impacts of the pandemic”, the centres in New York, São Paulo, Moscow, New Delhi and Tokyo will be seeking ways in which the global challenges posed by the pandemic can be met by international networks.
Further information about the choice of the DWIH focus topic for 2021 can be found on the website of the DWIH network.
In Brazil, the pandemic has given rise to hopes and great sorrow alike. Coronavirus has led to high infection rates and an alarming number of deaths; at the same time, social inequality has been severely exacerbated by the consequences of COVID-19. However, Brazil is also playing a very active role in vaccine research, and boasts considerable home-grown expertise in this field, as well as excellent contacts in both science and business. For example, a collaboration between the University of Taquari Valley (Univates) and its German partner, the University of Tübingen, is analysing the SARS-CoV-2-Virus and exploring possible treatments.
Dialogue between business and science
Against this backdrop, the DWIH São Paulo attaches considerable importance to formats that bring innovators from business and science together. One example is the DWIH’s involvement in the German-Brazilian Innovation Congress staged by the AHK São Paulo. Furthermore, topics relating to the bioeconomy have long been taken very seriously by the DWIH; they will become even more relevant amid the discussion of sustainable economy that has been triggered by the corona crisis.