Understanding the Co-Evolution of Research and Water Protection Policies: From Single Technologies to Systemic Integrated Approaches for the Sustainable Use of Water

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, water research has been strongly driven by the poor condition of water bodies underpinned by growing environmental awareness in society. This was characterised by interactions between the state of the environment, policy making and water research. Three phases can be distinguished: In the first phase (1970s and 1980s), the focus of activities in the establishment of environmental policy was on improving the precarious state of the environment in the water sector (first phase “establishment”). From 1990s to around 2010, further environmental pressures and new findings on the causes and changed framework conditions led to a need for further action. The interactions with other issues and a systemic perspective gained in importance (second phase “expansion”). In the years since 2010, the pressure to act has increased once again, particularly due to climate change. The need for systemic change is becoming increasingly clear (third phase “transformation”). The development is also characterised by an internal dynamic that is constantly increasing the scope and complexity of water research. The focus has shifted from individual technologies to systemic solutions. The need for transformation in the water sector is reflected, for example, in the national water strategy.