Current analyses from horizon scanning on climate adaptation, sustainability and digitisation

Which trends will shape tomorrow's debates? In the first half of 2025, TAB produced five topic briefs as part of its ongoing horizon scanning. These briefs address developments that could become relevant in the future. Topics covered include energy-efficient software development, new approaches to textile recycling, and the future of public libraries:

• The future of libraries
• Green coding: a contribution to a sustainable digital future?
• Sustainable textile recycling: from waste to raw material
• Multifunctional urban retention spaces: protection against heavy rainfall events
• Geotextiles: Flexible building blocks for local climate adaptation measures

These topic briefs, which are around 10 pages long, provide concise information on scientific and technical developments in their early stages. They analyse current trends, outline potential societal impacts and suggest further areas for examination within the context of technology assessment. With their detailed lists of sources and clear structure, the briefs provide political groups and committees with a sound basis on which to identify topics for political consultation and future debates.

Horizon-Scanning has been carried out at TAB since 2014. Here you will find an overview of all 83 topic profiles published to date.

15.07.2025