Digital Roadmap Austria english

Blockchain
Smart materials (4D)
The next step involves objects and materials that
automatically adapt to environmental conditions
(e.g. clothes that become waterproof when it rains
or materials that repair themselves if they become
damaged). In future, new printing processes could
also allow electrically functional ink to be printed on
materials, creating active or passive devices such as
resistors. This technology can facilitate cost-effective
sophisticated electronic applications. Sensors
for construction sites will in future be able to be
used to monitor vibrations and the condition of the
materials in buildings, bridges and infrastructure,
making maintenance work significantly easier.
A blockchain is a decentralized log that permanently
and unalterably records defined transactions
between two parties within a network. This eliminates
the middleman since a blockchain is public
and accessible to everyone worldwide. It does not
belong to anyone and this transparency makes it
virtually impossible for the blockchain to be manipulated.
This technology can revolutionize the way
in which we enter into contracts, trade on stock
exchanges or carry out banking transactions. In
future, for example, digital contracts could be made
forgery-proof using blockchain technology.
Intelligent energy networks (smart grids)
These allow direct communication between consumers
and grid operators. Digital technologies can
be used to control and manage supply networks
centrally, ensuring that supply and demand are
balanced in the distribution network – and making
it easier to feed in renewable energy. By 2030, this
will enable 6.3 billion megawatt hours of energy to
be saved worldwide every year. The introduction of
digital technologies allows customers to have better
control over their consumption and the costs. Consequently,
digitization will play a key role in increasing
energy efficiency and encouraging a long-term
switch to renewable energies.
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