For the third time in a row, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) commissioned the IZT to develop integrated roadmaps for its member companies in the automation sector. The project focussed on the sustainable supply of raw materials: In particular, the aim was to substitute scarce raw materials and recover valuable materials. One of the two new roadmaps was specifically dedicated to the topic of "recycling as a source of raw materials". The second roadmap focussed on the structural change from a petroleum-based to a bio-based chemical industry. Obstacles and drivers of this industrial change were identified. Title of the second roadmap: "Industrial Biotechnology". The time horizon is set up to the years 2025+.

The ZVEI - German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association has been creating integrated technology roadmaps for the early identification of future markets and technology requirements in automation since 2006 - with a great response. The roadmaps analyse trends, prospects and challenges, translate these into technology requirements and draw conclusions for automation technology companies.

The roadmap project focussed on the "sustainable supply of raw materials". The increasing scarcity and rising cost of raw materials has placed innovative technologies, concepts and services for sustainable resource flows and value creation networks increasingly at the centre of attention and posed new challenges for business and politics. Using resources intelligently and efficiently, substituting scarce raw materials and recovering valuable materials meant better security of supply, enabled cost savings and thus increased the competitiveness of companies. The roadmapping project focussed on two important future fields, industrial biotechnology and the recycling of materials as a source of raw materials. A roadmap was drawn up for each of these future fields.